Value of Military Training in College Credit

Hey, so I've been part of a cadet program in high school and I'm wondering, what's my military training worth in college? Is there any way to get some kind of credit for it?

Some colleges do provide academic recognition for military training and experience, often in the form of credits towards your degree. This is typically determined by a process known as a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).

This process involves evaluating your military experiences based on the American Council on Education's (ACE) recommendations. ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experience for academic credit. Credits are then granted based on how closely your training aligns with a college’s course content.

Some colleges may also use the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) to assess whether your military training can satisfy certain course requirements. These are standardized exams recognized by many colleges that measure your knowledge on a specific subject area.

Remember, however, that policies for recognizing military training as academic credits can vary significantly from one institution to another. It is best to research these policies and get in touch with the admissions officer or academic advisor of the specific schools you are interested in. If possible, coming prepared with detailed information about your cadet program (such as training outlines, instructional content, hours completed, etc.) can be quite beneficial in speeding up the process.

Also, bear in mind that even if credits are awarded, they may be elective credits, meaning they wouldn't necessarily exempt you from core degree requirements.

Nonetheless, any previous military experience could end up being a significant factor in a holistically reviewed application process and may also make you eligible for certain scholarships and financial aid opportunities meant for students with military experience.

Please note that if you decide to continue to serve in the military while attending college, you might want to consider schools with ROTC programs or military colleges that can further accommodate your unique circumstances. Good luck!