Earning College Credit during Military Service

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior considering a military career after graduation but I also want to continue my education. Is it possible to earn college credits during military service? How does that work?

Definitely, it is very possible to earn college credit while serving in the military. Several branches offer post-secondary programs and partnerships with colleges that can help you progress your education while serving. For example, the Community College of the Air Force provides associate degrees in applied science to enlisted personnel, with courses taught by military personnel and civilian instructors right on base.

Moreover, the military training itself can be converted into college credits through systems like the American Council on Education's Military Guide. This tool assists military personnel in getting their training and experiences translated into college credits. You'd need to request a Joint Services Transcript, which documents your military coursework and occupations in terms of civilian course equivalents and college credits.

Additionally, there's the GI Bill, a U.S. law that provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to 36 months (roughly four academic years), or a set amount per academic year for private or foreign schools.

Lastly, military members can utilize tuition assistance programs while on active duty. Each branch has its own policy regarding tuition assistance, but most will cover up to 100% of tuition expenses for college courses taken during off-duty hours.

It's a good idea to reach out to a military recruiter to discuss these options in more detail and to look into the educational resources each branch of the military provides. The timing, availability and benefits of these programs can vary depending on your specific situation, and your recruiter should be able to guide you accordingly.