Other Options for College Credit

As a veteran or service member, you may be able to receive college credit for your military experience, training, and service - saving you time and money to complete your degree.

The American Council on Education (ACE) collaborates with the U.S. Department of Defense to review military training and experience and to recommend appropriate college credit. More information on ACE's credit recommendations appears in the ACE Military Guide(This link opens in a new window).

You may also be able to receive credit for professional development and training courses offered by business and industry, which can be evaluated through various prior learning assessment options. Contact an academic advisor in the counseling department at your target community college to learn more.

Contact the Director, PLA and Transfer Services and VA Certifying Official

There are several steps you can take to ensure you are on the right path.

Contact the Director, PLA and Transfer Services to answer questions and help you get started. They can help you obtain your military transcript(This link opens in a new window). Discuss with the Director, PLA and Transfer Services the courses and/or training that might qualify for a prior learning assessment.

All approved colleges and programs have a VA Certifying Official who can assist veterans and service member students with the benefits process and in exploring your educational options. To find the VA Certifying Official at your college, go to the federal WEAMS Institution Search(This link opens in a new window).

Apply for VA Educational Benefit Benefits

As a veteran or service member, you may be eligible for educational benefits through numerous VA Educational Benefit programs. For example, if you are with a Yellow Ribbon Program(This link opens in a new window) which allows approved institutions of higher learning and the VA to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed established thresholds under the Post-9/11 VA Educational Benefit. To find out what education benefits you are eligible to receive, visit the VA Educational Benefit(This link opens in a new window) website or contact the Veterans Affairs (VA) Certifying Official at your institution for a benefits application.

You also should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA serves as the application for most federal and college-based financial aid, such as grants, loans and work-study funds.