Choosing Between Regional and National Accredited College for Military

I'm considering joining the military after high school. When choosing a college, should I prefer one that's regionally or nationally accredited? How does it affect my future military career?

Accreditation is essential as it ensures the standard of the education provided at a particular institution. Both national and regional accreditation are recognized and respected, but they serve different types of educational institutions and carry different implications.

Regionally accredited colleges are typically traditional, academically-oriented, non-profit ones. These institutions may grant bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. National accreditation often applies to for-profit, vocational, and technical colleges that offer specific career, religious, or technical programs.

When it comes to the military, whether active duty, veteran, or a dependent, a regionally accredited school tends to hold more weight. One reason is that credits from regionally accredited institutions are more likely to transfer to other schools versus those from nationally accredited ones. If you're planning to continue your education beyond an initial degree or switch institutions, attending a regionally accredited college gives you a greater likelihood of your credits being accepted at a different institution.

Another important factor for military members is the GI Bill. While both regionally and nationally accredited institutions can be eligible for GI Bill benefits, attending a regionally accredited institution can ensure broader recognition and acceptability of your degree.

As for your future military career in specific, the impact is often less direct. What matters more is the content and the field of your study. Is the course you are taking relevant to your intended military career? Is the course recognized and respected? These are important questions to ask.

Keep in mind, accreditation is just one factor to consider. Also, evaluate factors like the nature of the program, total costs, location, faculty, and military-friendly policies at the school. Admissions counselors and veterans affairs officers at prospective colleges and universities can often provide valuable insight. Ask around and gather as much information as you can before making a decision.