Accepted College Credits: Military Edition

Hey everyone. I know that being in the military earns you college credits. But then, how do I find out which colleges would accept most of these? I'd like to maximize my military service and turn it into a college education, if possible. Can anyone help me with this?

It's commendable that you're thinking ahead on leveraging your military training for college credit. The process to find out which colleges accept the maximum military credits can be detailed, but it's certainly doable.

Firstly, reach out to the educational service officer (ESO) or counselor within your branch of service. They can provide a more personalized overview of the credit transferring process and which institutions are typically more accepting of military training credits.

Next, you'll need to request a Joint Service Transcript (JST). This transcript will include all your military training and experience with the corresponding American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations. This transcript becomes an integral part of your college application, as it allows colleges to evaluate your military training and experiences for potential college credits.

The key lies in each college's policy regarding transfer credits, and specifically, the extent to which they accept non-traditional credits like those gained through military service. Many colleges and universities across the U.S. accept ACE recommendations, but each institution ultimately decides what they'll grant credit for and how much.

Focus on institutions known for being military-friendly. They often have more generous policies for military credits. For instance, many state schools and community colleges are often very accepting of military training credits. Additionally, several online universities have also become well-known for their generosity in accepting military credits.

A conversation with the admissions officer is also a useful step. Discuss your military experience, the potential credits you could bring, and how they might apply those towards your chosen degree program. They can provide insight into their institution's specific policies and may offer guidance on maximizing the credits you've earned.

It's important to remember that while not every credit may be accepted towards your degree program, they still add value to your application. They demonstrate real-world experience, discipline, and a certain level of training in different fields, which can boost your candidacy.

Hope that helps, and thank you for your service!