Military Friendly Community Colleges in the States

I'm considering enlisting after high school and attending community college as I serve. How can I find the top military-friendly community colleges in the US? Are there specific programs or benefits I should look for?

I'd start by looking for community colleges that participate in the Department of Defense's (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) Program. The TA Program offers financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of service members' professional and personal self-development goals. This means you can receive financial help to offset the costs of your education while you serve.

Another good indicator of a military-friendly college is whether they have a dedicated Military and Veteran Services office. These offices usually provide comprehensive resources for military and veteran students, including counsel on benefits, academic and career support, and liaising with faculty for military-related absences.

In terms of specific benefits, I'd recommend looking for colleges with 'credit for prior learning' programs. Many institutions award college credits for military training and experience, helping you to complete your degree at a faster pace. You'd usually need to present your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to your prospective institution for evaluation.

Additionally, the Yellow Ribbon Program is something to be aware of, especially when it comes to transferability to a 4-year institution. Participating in this program schools contribute towards any unmet expenses not covered by the GI Bill, which can be quite substantial at more expensive schools.

Lastly, an important factor can be the presence of a strong on-campus veteran community. Colleges with an active Student Veteran Organization can provide a social network and peer-to-peer support, which can significantly enhance your college experience.

Overall, look for institutions committed to being flexible and supportive of students with military commitments. You might find helpful "best of" lists online compiled by veteran-focused education portals - just ensure they base their rankings on relevant, military-suited criteria!