Hey all. Been considering Columbia College recently, and I see a lot of positive reviews from military folks. Anyone has any experience or insights about their treatment towards military students? All responses appreciated!
Columbia College has been given a "Military Friendly" designation multiple times, meaning it has programs and policies in place that are supportive of military students. These include providing academic credit for military training, by way of evaluating your Joint Services Transcript (JST), and flexible course start and end dates, which can be important if your military duties require constant moving or varying schedules.
The college participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can provide additional financial benefits above and beyond the standard Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for qualifying veterans. On top of that, they offer reduced tuition rates for active military, veterans, reservists, and their spouses and dependents.
Moreover, Columbia College has staff who specialize in military and veteran services, to help you navigate the admittedly complex landscape of military benefits and educational policy, and answer any questions you may have.
In terms of academics, Columbia College has numerous online degrees and course offerings, which can provide the flexibility often needed for military students or students who may be relocating frequently. This makes them a quite military-friendly school if you value online, asynchronous learning.
However, it's important to keep in mind that Columbia College’s curriculum and course rigor may not be as demanding or prestigious as that of Columbia University or other similar-sounding institutions. It's a solid choice for military students due to its strong support system, but might not offer the same level of academic challenge or recognition as some other colleges.
As with every college decision, it's crucial to consider what your own needs and circumstances are. Make sure their degree programs align with your career goals, their schedules fit with your lifestyle, and that you feel comfortable with the level of academic rigor and support services offered.
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