How to Earn College Credit for Military Service?

What's the process for getting college credit for military service? Do all colleges offer this opportunity or only specific ones? I'm about to complete my service and would appreciate any guidance.

The process for earning college credit for military service varies from college to college, but generally speaking, it involves these steps:

1. Collect Documentation: Your first step should be to gather your military transcripts and any certificates of completed training you have accomplished during your service. This might involve a Joint Services Transcript (JST) for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, or a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript if you served in the Air Force.

2. Choose a School: You'll want to select a college or university that's military-friendly and has policies in place for evaluating military experience for academic credit. Many public schools and some private colleges earn this status because of their efforts to accommodate veterans and active duty military personnel. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to identify these schools.

3. Submit Your Documentation: Once you've selected a school, you'll need to submit your transcripts and other documents to the admissions office (and sometimes to the office for veterans services if there is one). The school’s admissions department will likely have a specific process for this, so you should reach out to them for guidance.

4. Evaluation: After your materials are submitted, the school will evaluate your transcripts and training certifications to determine how much, if any, credit can be granted.

Please note that it's up to the individual college to decide how many credits, if any, they'll offer for your military experience. The American Council on Education (ACE) provides guidelines on this matter, but ultimately, it's the college's decision.

Another route to earn college credit for your military service is through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). The CLEP offers 34 exams that cover intro-level college course material in subjects ranging from foreign languages to business. As a military service member, you can take CLEP exams for free.

Remember, the degree to which military service translates to college credit varies considerably, so it’s worth getting in touch with prospective schools' admissions offices or veterans services to understand their policies.

I hope that helps, and thank you for your service! Good luck with your academic journey!