Jobs in the military that offer college credit?

I'm a junior thinking ahead about life after high school. Joining the military is one of the paths I'm considering, especially if I could also get some college credit out of it. What are the positions that do this? Any advice or knowledge is appreciated!

Many positions in the military can give you an opportunity to earn college credit while serving. Specific roles that can offer this may largely depend on the branch you join and the nature of the skills and knowledge required in those particular roles. They usually involve technical or specialist positions, where the training you undergo equates to a college-level education in that area.

Some examples include:

1. Aviation roles (such as Avionics Technician, or Pilot): Pilot training, for example, can be equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Aviation.

2. Electrical and Electronics Repair positions: These roles might get you credit towards an Electrical Engineering degree.

3. Medical positions (like Combat Medic or Health Services Management): Training here can lead to credit for nursing or medical administration programs.

4. Information Technology: Army Cyber Operations Specialist or Air Force's Cyber Systems Operations, or similar roles in other branches, can lead to credit for a Computer Science degree.

5. Intelligence positions: Training in roles such as Intelligence Analyst can translate to credit in International Relations or Security Studies programs.

Remember, you will want to verify which college credits are recognized by the institution you're interested in because not all colleges accept all military credits. The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences and recommend equivalent college credits. You can check the ACE Military Guide to see how the training and skills you gain in specific military occupations might translate into college credits.

Lastly, when you're considering military service, also be sure to look into the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Tuition Assistance Program. Both of these can significantly help cover the costs of a college education post-service.

While you're making this decision, remember to consider all your options and understand what each path requires. Each branch of the military has unique mission areas and, therefore, roles and opportunities that might not be available elsewhere. Speak with recruiters, do your research, and engage with veterans if possible to get a realistic expectation of military service.