Is it possible or even practical to attend college while being in the military? I've heard mixed responses so far, and it's causing me a bit of stress. Any input or personal experiences would be really appreciated. Thanks!
The short answer is, yes, it's possible to pursue college while enlisted in the military. Whether it's practical largely depends on your personal circumstances, including your current duty status, deployment schedule, and the educational goals you have set for yourself.
Active-duty military members often use online classes to work towards a degree, as these programs offer the flexibility to work around duty and deployment schedules. Some military bases also have on-campus classes offered by local colleges and universities, and these can be a good option if your schedule allows.
In addition, you may be able to earn college credit for military training. Organizations like the American Council on Education (ACE) evaluate military training programs and recommend equivalent college credits for these. Many universities (though not all) will accept these recommendations and apply them as transferable credit.
The military also offers educational benefits, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can be used to cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and potentially housing. Tuition Assistance is another program that pays up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less, with a $4,500 cap per fiscal year.
Keep in mind, that pursuing a degree while enlisted can be challenging given the unpredictability of military schedules, so it's critical to connect with the educational services office on your base. They can provide guidance about managing your course load and can help you navigate any potential educational benefits you have.
Remember, in the end, regardless of your educational path, what matters most is determination, adaptability, and personal drive – all skills that military service is apt to reinforce.
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