Military Service Transfer to College Credits - How Does it Work?

I know that some colleges give credit for military service. For someone who's considering enlisting, how does this process work? How do I go about ensuring that my service counts towards my degree?

One of the great benefits of military service is the possibility of earning college credit for your military training and experience. The American Council on Education (ACE) works closely with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences, providing recommendations that colleges can use to award academic credit.

Generally, the process starts with ACE evaluating your military training and experience and translating those into potential course credits. This is often done through the Joint Services Transcript (JST), which provides a description of military schooling and work history in civilian terms. The JST is accepted by more than 2,300 colleges and universities. The transcript outlines academic equivalents and course descriptions for your training, and also provides ACE credit recommendations.

After obtaining your JST, the next step is to share it with the colleges you're considering. These transcripts are readily accepted by colleges and universities, but it's important to note that the decision to award credit rests with each individual institution.

To maximize your chances of receiving credit, it will be beneficial to target schools that prioritize military experience. Look for colleges that are part of the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium. Also, the College Credit for Heroes program is a Texas-based initiative that translates military service into academic credits accepted by Texas colleges.

However, you should engage in detailed discussions with your chosen college about their policies regarding military credits. Ask them about their experience with other veterans, what credits they typically award, and whether they might consider awarding credit for learning through experiences, as some colleges offer credit for experiential learning.

In addition, make sure that the credits you earn will count towards your degree. Some institutions may grant you credits, but they may not apply towards the graduation requirements for your intended degree.

Finally, you might also want to consider using the tuition benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill to take CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests, which can grant college credit for passing a comprehensive subject exam, further fast-tracking your college degree.

Remember, it's important to advocate for yourself in this process and make sure that your military training and experience are valued and recognized.