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Is it possible to do college/earn college credit while being in the military?
Have not started working towards college credit yet, unsure if I'm able to earn degrees in the military or if its only possible after serving or before enlisting.
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7 answers
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Jorge’s Answer
From what I understand, basic and technical training while in the military could transfer over as credits towards your associate's and bachelor's degrees. Especially if your MOS lines up with the degree you are trying to earn. For example, if your logistics is your MOS the military will provide on-the-job training, OJT. This could be considered as credits. When you apply and register for school I would advise asking the guidance counselor what credits could be transferable or honored as credits.
This is true!! I earned my Associate's degree after only taking 4 classes at a college. My medic training transferred over as a lot of credits!
One of my friends was a Lab Tech in the Army; his credits earned for that job almost nabbed him a bachelor's degree by themselves.
Kess French
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Scott’s Answer
Online schooling has dramatically changed in the last few years. Given the opportunities available, you should have no problem taking e-courses. There would be 2 points of consideration you need to look at though. 1) For in person learning, many military installations are not within an easy commute of a college. 2) Depending on your job, you may be gone for extended periods of time with little to no internet access. ( Army and Marine Combat arms units routinely spend 7-30 days /'in the field' ) My best advice is to serve 3-4 years of active duty, then go to a full time college. My experience is a little out of date as I went to college some time back, but I really benefitted from 3 years of active duty and the discipline it instilled in me. I feel being just a few years older and wiser than my freshman peers (when I got off active duty) really benefitted me at a brick and mortar college.
Good to know, thank you Mr. Dunne
Marco
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Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Marco, thank you for your question. Yes, it is possible to earn college credits while you are still in the military. You can also go to school while you serve you don't have to wait until you get out, today college is more accessible than it was when the military first started this program. You can go online or in person. Best of luck
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Garrett’s Answer
I have a lot of friends that have served or are currently serving in the military. While it is definitely an option to do school while serving, and is definitely an ambitious goal, the path I have seen most of my military buddies take is to do their time serving, and then return to school afterwards. The military almost always provides financial scholarships in return for service and it would be harder to find a school that doesn't accept this financial support rather than one that does accept it.
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Moses’s Answer
Yes, it is called Tuition Assistance if you want to take college classes. Members of the armed forces can take advantage of this program if it is approved by their command and apply to take up too two courses at a time ( which is not recommended unless you can properly balance these classes). Military members are allotted $4,000 a year for classes and $250 per semester hour.
Some military training can also transfer over as college credits such as certain Primary Military Education courses and in person training. This depends on the branch and specific training of course.
Some military training can also transfer over as college credits such as certain Primary Military Education courses and in person training. This depends on the branch and specific training of course.
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Scott’s Answer
Fantastic question! I am currently serving in the active duty Army and have been for about 11 years now. The military, all branches, have a program called tuitions assistance that allows you to continue your college education throughout the fiscal year. You can use this program for online or distance learning college courses, which is what I am doing right now. This program can be used in conjunction with your post 9/11 GI bill, so it’s free extra money for school! Hope this helps!
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James’s Answer
It is absolutely possible. You can do this through something called tuition assistance. This doesn't even touch your G.I. Bill. Additionally, you can receive credit for training you have received while in the military through something called the Joint Services Transcript.