Transferring Military Experience into College Credits?

Hello! I'm considering joining the military after I graduate but I'm also interested in eventually attending college. Does anyone know if there's a way to transfer the skills and experiences I would gain from serving, into college credits? Any advice would be super helpful.

Absolutely, many colleges and universities are committed to supporting military personnel and veterans, and do take into account the unique experiences and training you gain during military service. Military training and experiences can often be evaluated for academic credit.

This typically happens through a process called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). There are various forms of PLAs, but in your case, you would benefit most from Military Training Evaluation. This is where an evaluator reviews your military training records and determines if the skills and knowledge you've gained align with a college-level learning outcome. Each college and university has their own policy regarding how much PLA credit they will grant and what will count towards degree requirements, so it's beneficial to research potential schools to find one with a generous and flexible policy.

Another potential source of credit is the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) exams. These are standardized tests that assess college-level knowledge in various subject areas. Many military personnel have been successful in earning college credit through these exams thanks to the extensive training and experience they have received.

The American Council on Education (ACE) also collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences and recommend those that should be eligible for academic credit. This could be another avenue for you to earn credit for your military service.

Do remember that while many schools do offer this option, it’s still dependent on the policies of the specific institution where you choose to enroll. I would encourage you to directly reach out to the admission offices and veteran services at the colleges or universities you're considering for detailed information. It's a unique process but definitely worth looking into!