Can my military credits transfer to a trade school or college?

Hey everyone, I'm in the military and have earned some credits while serving. I'm planning on getting into a trade school or college after my service period. Do you know if schools generally accept military credits? What's the process for that like? Thanks!

Hey, great to hear you're looking to continue your education post-military! Many trade schools and colleges indeed accept military credits, but the degree of acceptance can vary significantly.

The first step is to obtain a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST), which documents your military training and education with equivalent college credits. This is an official transcript tool used by the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Once you have your JST, you'll need to provide it to the schools you're applying to. Each school has an evaluation process for these credits, often conducted by the registrar or a specific department related to prior learning evaluation. This can typically involve comparing the courses you've taken, their length, and their content to their curriculum, and determining what credit to give and for what classes. Do note that some schools may limit the number of credits accepted.

Also, check if the schools you're interested in are part of the ACE (American Council on Education) network — these are institutions that have agreed to consider the ACE's credit recommendations, which can be beneficial.

Finally, connect with your school's Veterans Affairs office or equivalent, as they can provide further guidance and may have resources specific to your situation. Many educational institutions are dedicated to supporting military students and can help navigate these specifics.

Remember, however, that while having your military credits recognized can shorten the time to complete your education, it is also important to choose a school or program that aligns with your career goals and interests. Best of luck on this educational journey post-service.