What's the best way to transfer college credits from the army?

I'm in the army and considering going to college. How does the credit transfer work for military credits? Are there specific colleges that accept these credits more easily? Any advice on navigating this?

Navigating the transition from military to college can seem daunting at first, but many resources exist to make the process smoother.

Military training and experience can indeed count as college credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate military training and experiences to recommend equivalent college credits. The ACE Military Guide is a tool that translates military training and experiences into college credit equivalents that are recognized by colleges and universities.

Request your Joint Service Transcript (JST). The JST includes detailed descriptions of your military experience and training and converts this into American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations.

Keep in mind, it's up to each individual institution to decide what credits they will accept, how many they will accept, and how they will apply within your intended degree program. Usually, general studies and free elective spaces are the areas where institutions accept the most ACE credits. In my experience, institutions that value and honor the military experience, such as those involved in the Service Member Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Consortium or have a dedicated veterans center, may be more likely to accept your credits.

Additionally, some colleges and universities have specific agreements with branches of the military or with the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) that help facilitate this transfer process.

It may require some research on your part. Start by contacting the admissions or veterans services office at the institutions you're considering to ask about their policy on accepting military credits.

Also, keep a lookout for schools with the Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides additional funding for veterans. The transfer of military credits can significantly reduce your college costs and time to degree completion, but you should also look into military-specific financial aid opportunities and scholarships, which can make your time in college even more time-efficient.

Good luck on your journey to higher education!