Does the military pay for college credits?

Hi there. I'm thinking about the military as a way to potentially save on college costs. Do they actually pay for you to earn college credits while you're serving? How does that work?

Yes, the military does have programs in place to help service members earn college credits and pay for their education. These programs can enable you to pursue an education while actively serving or after you've completed your service.

One of these is the Tuition Assistance program. Each military branch has its own Tuition Assistance program, which typically covers up to 100% of tuition expenses for service members taking courses either in-person or online at an accredited institution during off-duty hours.

Another educational benefit for military service members is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This can cover full tuition and fees at public in-state schools and up to a certain amount per academic year at private or foreign schools. In addition, recipients can receive a housing allowance and a stipend for textbooks and supplies.

It's important to note that there are often service requirements to qualify for these education benefits, including a minimum length of service and status of release (honorable discharge, etc.).

If you're interested in earning college credits while serving, you could look into the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) which allow you to earn college credits by passing exams in certain subject areas, and testing fees can be covered by the military.

Additionally, service in the military itself can sometimes be translated into college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the Department of Defense to review military training and experiences to recommend appropriate college credits.

It's highly recommended to talk to a military recruiter or a college counselor familiar with military benefits to get the most accurate information based on your specific circumstances and goals. These educational benefits can indeed help service members save significantly on college costs.