College Credit for Military Training in NY

Hi, all! I'm currently a junior in high school who lives in New York. I've been thinking about following the military route after graduation and I've heard that the military training I might receive could translate to college credits. Can anyone help me navigate this? Are there specific colleges in New York that are known for recognizing these credits? All input is valuable—thanks in advance!

Hello! It's a wonderful decision to weigh out different post-high school paths and career opportunities.

As for your question, many colleges and universities do recognize military training and experience as college credits. This is typically done through the American Council on Education (ACE) which evaluates military training and experience and determines how many credits they could translate to in a college setting.

In New York specifically, a great example would be Excelsior College, a private institution well-known for a large veteran and active military student population. Based in Albany, they have an extensive credit transfer policy and have partnered with the military for decades, and they are experienced in translating military training into academic credit.

Another college to consider is the State University of New York (SUNY), which has numerous campuses throughout the state. The SUNY system has policies in place to aid veterans and active service members in getting their military training recognized as academic credit.

However, the number and type of credits you could earn can greatly vary depending on the program of study you choose and the institution you attend. Each college has its own policies and will evaluate your military training individually.

Therefore, your next steps could include reaching out to the admissions departments at these schools and others you're interested in. They will provide the most accurate and detailed information regarding their unique credit policies. Also, consider reaching out to the Veterans Affairs (VA) department at these schools as well, as they often provide resources to assist military students in transitioning to civilian education life.

Please note that while this can give a good head start in obtaining a degree, it would still be wise to check on what additional requirements for the desired program of study might still need to be met, even after the credits have been transferred.

Remember that earning college credit through military training is not just limited to these institutions. Many colleges recognize this training so I encourage you to explore other options that fulfill your academic or career pursuits.

Good luck on your journey!