How are military experiences evaluated for college credits?

Wondering how the military experiences are evaluated for prior learning college credit? Does every experience count, or are there only certain specific ones that do? I've been thinking about this route post-high school but I want to clear this out first

The process of translating military training and experience into college credit can vary based on the colleges you're planning to attend, your MOS (Military Occupational Speciality), and the specific duties you've performed. Not all experiences will count or be interpreted the same way across different colleges, but here are some broad strokes of the evaluation process.

The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates closely with the Department of Defense and plays a significant role in translating military training and occupational experiences into college credit recommendations. ACE produces a comprehensive guide, the ACE Military Guide, that outlines how credits might be granted for experiences and courses within each military occupational specialty, based on their rigorous review process. Prospective colleges then use this guide to make their determination about how many credits, if any, the experience is worth.

Do note, however, that while a college may accept ACE's recommendation, it is typically at the discretion of the institution's policies. Some colleges may grant fewer credits or, in some cases, may not consider the military experience at all, especially if they don't align with the coursework of the degree you're pursuing. For example, if you were a medic in the military, that training could potentially translate into credits for a nursing or health sciences degree. But those credits may not apply if you're pursuing a degree in, say, computer science.

Another key point to remember is to inquire whether these awarded credits fall under elective credits or can be used to waive prerequisites or specific degree requirements. In some cases, the credits you earn may just count as electives and may not bring you any closer to meeting specific degree requirements.

In short, while it's common for military experiences to be translated into college credits, it depends on various factors such as your specific experiences, the colleges you're applying to, and the degree you're pursuing. Always consult directly with the admissions office or a counselor at your targeted institutions to get the most accurate information.