Can one complete college courses within the military?

Hey there, I'm thinking of joining the military after high school but I also don't want to give up on getting a college education. Is it possible to complete college courses while serving in the military?

Absolutely, it is possible to pursue a college education while serving in the military. This is made possible through a few different programs that are designed to support servicemembers' educational goals.

Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit offered by all branches of the military. This program covers the cost of tuition for courses taken during off-duty hours. Each branch has its own specific criteria and application process for TA, so you'll want to check the details for your specific branch. It's also worth noting that the tuition assistance typically covers up to a certain amount per credit hour and there's typically an annual cap on the total assistance.

In addition to this, the military also offers the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), which allows servicemembers to demonstrate their knowledge in a subject area and earn college credit without actually taking the course. This can be a great way to accelerate your progress towards a degree.

Finally, another great resource is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) consortium. This is a network of approximately 1,700 accredited colleges and universities that offer flexible policies to accommodate military students. These schools offer online and distance learning options, and they work with serviemembers to transfer credits earned at different institutions, which can be particularly helpful if you're frequently moved around due to your military service.

In summary, there are definitely resources and opportunities available to pursue a college education while serving in the military. Just remember to reach out to the education office in your specific branch to get accurate and up-to-date information.