Attending Community College After Military Service

Hey guys! After a stint in the military, I'm considering going back to school and attending a community college. Has anyone here taken a similar path? How did it go for you?

Hello,

Firstly, thank you for your service! Attending community college after serving in the military is a common path and it comes with a host of benefits. Here's why it can be a favorable decision:

-The structured environment of community colleges is often ideal for those coming out of the military. Community colleges tend to be smaller, which means you could benefit from more personalized attention from faculty and a tight-knit community of students.

-Community colleges are easier on the wallet, especially if you're a resident of the state where the college is located. This can help you retain more of your GI Bill benefits for future educational opportunities, such as transferring to a four-year college.

-The flexibility offered by community colleges—with regards to class schedules and offering both online and on-campus classes—can be very convenient if you're juggling other responsibilities like family or employment.

-Community colleges often offer a wide range of vocational or career-oriented programs, which could help you translate the skills you've learned in the military into civilian employment. At the same time, there's also the option to take general education courses if you're aiming to transfer to a 4-year institution later on.

Many veterans have found success on this path. You may want to explore your community college's resources for veteran students, be it academic advising, mental health support, or career counseling. Leveraging these resources can definitely facilitate a smooth transition into academia after military service. It may also be worthwhile looking into clubs or organizations on campus meant for veterans– these could be a great form of support during your time in college.

Wishing you all the best in this next phase of your journey!