Earning college credit in the military

Quick question - are there ways to earn college credit while serving in the military? What sort of opportunities might I expect to find?

Yes, there are several ways military service members can earn college credits.

First, through programs like the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or the Army's eArmyU program, you can earn credits towards an associate's or bachelor's degree during your time in service. The coursework might be done online or in-person, depending on the circumstances and needs of your specific service.

Second, you can earn credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). These programs offer tests in a variety of subjects, and passing scores result in college credits at participating schools. This is a very cost-effective way to gain college credits and military service members often have their exam costs covered.

Third, some military duties and skills training programs are recognized by colleges and can be applied as college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaboratively works with the Department of Defense to review military training and experiences, including occupational specialties, and recommend them for academic credit.

Post-service, you can use the Post-9/11 GI Bill to cover the tuition costs for a wide variety of educational programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Always remember, it's best to check directly with the college you're interested in to see what credit they'll recognize and accept.