Pursuing College While in Military

Honestly, I'm quite interested in both getting some higher education but also serving my country. Can anyone share their experience about going to college while actively serving in the military?

It's commendable that you're looking to pursue higher education and serve your country simultaneously. It may sound demanding, but it's absolutely possible! Let's delve into how this could work.

This path is generally referred to as "earning a degree while on active duty". You'd essentially be a part-time student while being a full-time soldier. Many in the military go this route, especially when considering that the military offers various programs to assist with funding such as the Military Tuition Assistance Program. This covers tuition expenses for course taken during off-duty hours, which can ease the financial burden quite a bit.

Furthermore, many universities and colleges have special programs or departments dedicated to serving military members and veterans. These institutions are often well equipped to handle the unique challenges you may face, such as being deployed in the middle of a semester.

Online learning is also a very popular option for those serving in the military due to its flexibility. People often underestimate the value of online degrees but many reputable universities now offer completely online degrees which are just as rigorous and recognized as on-campus programs. Online education has become increasingly sophisticated, offering students robust learning environments, interactivity, and support services.

Lastly, you can consider using the CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), which offers the opportunity to earn college credit for what you already know by earning qualifying scores on any of33 examinations.

The journey towards earning a degree while serving in the military is not always easy, it will require careful planning and strong commitment. But rest assured, it is absolutely feasible and there are countless servicemen and women you can look to as proof of that. Rely on your bases' education office as they are there to help facilitate the process. Lastly, remember to choose your degree carefully, ensuring it aligns with your future goals whether they are in or out of the military.