Can You Go To College While in the Military?

The short answer is yes. You can go to college while serving in the military. Military careers demand full-time commitment, but that doesn't mean you have to put your education on hold.

Many members of the military continue to serve and attend college, and in today's military, this is easier than ever for active-duty service members. Whether you are aiming for a promotion or a career change, earning a degree while serving is a wise investment in your future. 

Why go to college while on active duty?

A college education offers significant benefits for military personnel. Getting a degree can boost your career by making you more competitive for promotions and qualifying you for higher-level positions or specialized fields. 

Beyond your military service, earning a degree also makes transitioning to civilian life easier. Whether you're retiring or leaving after a few years of service, higher education can open many civilian career opportunities. Completing a college degree provides a strong sense of achievement and pride, reflecting your dedication and hard work.

How does balancing active duty and attending college work?

Being an active-duty military member while attending school can be comparable to balancing a job and college at the same time. You may need to work during the day and go to class at night or on weekends. Alternatively, you can choose flexible courses that let you study at your own pace.

You might occasionally need to take a duty-related absence from school. In those cases, you should talk with your instructors to make sure that your service duties don't interfere with your ability to succeed in your classes. You may receive an extension on assignments or be allowed to take exams after you return.

Effective communication makes attending college while on active duty easier.

Where can you go to college while on active duty?

Earning a college degree while serving in the military might seem challenging, but it's more achievable than you might think. Today's military-friendly colleges are designed with service members in mind, offering flexible options that match your lifestyle—whether you're deployed overseas, stationed on base, or juggling a demanding schedule. 

You don't need to put your education on hold. With the right school and support, you can make meaningful progress toward your degree, no matter where the military takes you. Here are some options:

• Attend a military-friendly college: Find a school that not only offers the degree you want but also provides additional support or programs specifically designed for military personnel. Military-friendly schools make special efforts for service members. Whether it's online education, on-base classes, or a campus nearby, there are military-friendly options for active-duty service members.
• Online college for the military: Online classes allow active-duty military to learn from anywhere in the world. Some sessions are scheduled at specific times, while others allow you to learn at your own pace. Either way, you get all the flexibility you want without sacrificing a quality education.
• On-base and local colleges: Some military bases have on-site colleges for service members. Classes at these bases are usually smaller and offer more flexible schedules to accommodate service commitments. If the on-campus option isn't available, you might consider attending a nearby college, but this requires commuting and fitting classes into a less flexible schedule.
• Other distance learning programs: Other distance learning programs may include Zoom calls and conferencing, videotaped lessons, or even email instruction. 

Organizations like Military Times and Military Friendly publish annual lists of top schools that support military students. These can be a helpful starting point for your search.

Can the military help you fund your education?

You may be able to get a portion of your college costs covered by the military.

• Tuition Assistance (TA): TA offers financial support to service members taking classes in approved degree or certificate programs. Eligible students can receive $250 per semester hour, with a yearly limit of $4,500.
• GI Bill Benefits : Although GI Bill benefits are generally used by veterans and their families, in some cases, these funds may also be available to active-duty service members.
• Military College Funds: Some colleges set aside funds for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and reservists. There may be a tuition discount available to students that exceeds the coverage provided by the tuition assistance program.
• Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program: If your college tuition exceeds what the Defense Department Tuition Assistance program covers, you may be able to get additional funds through the Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program.
• Military Branch Educational Workshops: Military services offer educational benefits that help service members reach personal and professional goals, reduce tuition costs, and more. These programs offer counseling, workshops, guidance on securing tuition funding, training that can be applied toward college credit, and pre-admission support.

How many classes can you take while serving?

The number of classes you can take while on active duty mainly depends on your personal schedule and workload. Some service members can manage 1 or 2 courses per term, but many take up to three.

The degree of flexibility provided by your school is another important factor. Many universities provide online courses tailored for active-duty military members, allowing you to study at your own pace. It's essential to strike a balance that supports academic achievement without compromising military duties.

An academic advisor can help you develop a manageable course load tailored to your specific circumstances.

Can you get college credit for military experience?

Military experience can sometimes count toward college credit. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, to receive credit, you must submit your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to the college, which documents your military training and experiences. You may also need to take a standardized test, such as DSST exams, to demonstrate proficiency in specific subjects.

Additionally, some colleges require a learning evaluation from ACE. According to the American Council on Education (ACE), they work with the Department of Defense to recommend how military training can translate into academic credits. 

Challenges attending college on active duty

Attending school while in the military can be tough for new students. Here are some challenges you might encounter:

• Adjusting to a university learning environment.
• Juggling personal and family responsibilities, military duties, and school.
• Managing the stress and mental health challenges of the military while trying to study.
• Deploying or relocating while attending college.

Benefits of attending college while serving

Military recruits typically hold a high school diploma, with some having also attended college. For example, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command reports that in the year 2024, 94.5% of regular Army recruits had a high school diploma, and 11.4% had completed at least one college semester before enlisting. 

Enlisting in the military with these pre-college requirements allows you to enjoy the benefits of going to college while serving, including:

• Advancement opportunities: Earning college credits can increase your promotion points, helping you advance in rank more quickly within your military branch.
• Pathway to commission: A college degree is typically needed to enter officer training programs.
• Smooth civilian transition: Earning a degree can significantly ease the shift into the civilian workforce by providing access to more job opportunities and higher earning potential.
• Broader skill set: A college education enhances valuable skills that are useful in both military roles and civilian careers, making service members more versatile and competitive.

Wrapping it up

For members of the military, attending college while on active duty is not just possible; it's a smart, strategic career move. With military-friendly schools and numerous online colleges tailored for military students, you can plan your future without sacrificing your service commitments. Whether you're aiming to advance through the ranks, transition smoothly into civilian life, or simply start your career, earning a degree while you serve gives you a significant advantage.

To search for military-friendly colleges or find scholarships to pay for college, click the button below to create a free Appily account.