Military Service and College Credits: What's the Relationship?

So, I'm considering joining the military after high school. But I've also been thinking about college. How does the military work with college credits? Do they offer any or do they align with any courses that could count as credits?

Absolutely, many pathways in the military can help you acquire college credits.

Firstly, through the Joint Services Transcript (JST), military personnel are able to gain academic credits for their military training and experiences. The American Council on Education (ACE) reviews military training, experiences, and occupations to determine the equivalent college credit for those experiences. These credits can be applied at many colleges and universities, although the acceptance varies by institution, so it's always worth checking with an admissions or a transfer advisor at your target school.

Another option is tuition assistance programs offered by the military, which allow service members to take courses at accredited colleges and universities, with the tuition often partially or fully paid by the military.

In addition, military service academies and institutions like the American Military University (AMU) or the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) offer regionally-accredited degree programs. Credits gained from these institutions can often be transferred to other colleges or universities.

Lastly, the GI Bill can provide financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Veterans, service members, and their dependents can use the GI Bill benefits to cover tuition and fees, monthly housing allowance, and book and supply stipend for college.

So, to sum it up, the military can be a viable pathway to earn college credits through various means including your training and service experiences, courses taken while serving, attending a military institution, or using the benefits of the GI Bill after service. It's advisable to speak with a military recruiter or educational liaison in-depth about these options before making a decision.