How Does Military Rank Translate to College Credits?

Quick question: I'm planning to join the military after high school, but I'm wondering how my future military rank would potentially translate into college credits if I decide to go back to school afterwards. Can anyone shed light on this?

Your first step should be to have your military training evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE works closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences, with the goal of translating those into college credits. Through a rigorous process, ACE makes credit recommendations which are then listed on the JST (Joint Services Transcript).

Basically, your military training, occupational specialties, and any additional professional development courses are evaluated in comparison with similar courses in postsecondary education. These evaluations determine how many, if any, equivalent college credits can be awarded.

However, it's up to each individual college or university to decide how they award credit for your military experience. They may accept all, some, or none of these recommended credits. This is usually done by the registrar or admissions department at the institution.

In some cases, the institution may consider your military experience when granting you an exemption from certain course requirements. For example, leadership experience gained through military service may exempt you from certain leadership or management courses.

Remember that these credits are typically viewed as transfer credits. They are generally applicable to elective or general education requirements, rather than specific courses in a major. You may want to consult with academic advisors or admissions officers from the universities you're considering to understand how they handle military transfer credits.

Before you enter the military, you might consider discussing your education plans with a recruiting officer. They may be able to offer suggestions on military positions that align better with your desired academic major or future career.

After your military service, you could also consider using your GI Bill benefits, which can help pay for college, graduate school, or training programs. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for example, can cover the full cost of tuition at public colleges and universities, and up to $28,937 per year at private or foreign schools (as of the 2024-2025 academic year. Make sure to check the VA website for current amounts). As an added bonus, if you don't use all of your GI Bill benefits, you might be able to transfer some or all of them to your spouse or dependent children.

That said, while it's admirable that you're already thinking about how your rank and military experience might contribute to an eventual college degree, remember that the primary purpose of military service is not to earn college credits but to protect and serve your country. Military service is a serious commitment that should not be taken lightly. It's fantastic that you're forward-thinking and considering all the ways this path could benefit you personally and professionally, but it's also important to remember the duties and responsibilities that come with it.