Understanding College Military Credits

Hello! Can someone explain to me how college military credits work? I served in the military and want to continue my education. I've heard that I might be able to earn some credits based on my military training. How do I know what counts, and what doesn't?

Certainly, I'd be happy to explain. Credits for military service and training can be an excellent way to accelerate your academic progress. However, the specifics will depend on the college or university you're attending.

Most higher education institutions in the U.S. recognize and award academic credit for military training and experiences. This is usually done through recommendations by the American Council on Education (ACE), which extensively reviews military training and occupational experiences to determine their equivalence to college coursework.

ACE provides a transcript service for eligible servicemembers that documents all the evaluated training, which colleges then use to award credit. You can order a military transcript through the Joint Services Transcript (JST) system. The transcript includes ACE credit recommendations which can potentially be transferred into college degrees depending on your specific program and school.

Keep in mind, that every institution is different, and the amount of credit awarded can vary. Some may give credit toward general education requirements, while others might count them as elective credits. It's also important to understand that not every form of military training or experience may qualify for credits at every institution.

You should get in touch with an admissions or transfer advisor at your chosen school. They can guide you through the process of applying your military credits toward your degree. Additionally, they can give you a clearer picture of what specific military training or experiences the institution typically grants credit for.

Remember to provide all relevant documentation when discussing this with your counselor, and don't hesitate to seek clarification if there's anything you're unsure about! It's your academic future and every credit counts. Good luck with your academic journey! It's great to know that you're making the most of your military training to further your education.