Are you ready to begin or finish a college degree? Find helpful tips and resources here.
The VA offers free counseling and an online assessment tool called CareerScope to help transitioning service members plan their education. Visit the VA’s Education and Training section to learn more.
For help finding a college that's a good fit for you, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. It includes information on each college’s affordability and value to help you select which college to attend.
What questions should you ask? Here are some questions to ask if you contact or visit a college or university:
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Can I transfer credits from my military training or from other schools? Ask any schools you are considering whether they will recognize your past coursework or training and/or accept your transferred credit.
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How much will it cost and what benefits can I receive? Once you have chosen a program of study you can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to compare tuition and fees, housing allowance, and book stipend rates between schools.
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Is there a central point of contact for veterans? Hands-on, in-person assistance with navigating the educational process makes the academic journey much more manageable. Check to see if the school you are considering has a Veterans Certifying Official.
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Are there campus services? Look for access to mental health and medical support, disability services, academic accommodations, and career services.
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Is there a strong veterans’ voice? You may feel most comfortable, and get the most support, at a school with a strong veterans’ student group, such as a Student Veterans of America organization.
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Is there a space for veterans’ gatherings? A designated location for student veterans offers a dependable and supportive environment where trust, support, and camaraderie can be found and fostered in an academic environment.
Transfer military credits
Learn how to apply your military training and experience to your higher education goals in Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services from the American Council on Education. You’ll also find links to transcript information from each of the military branches.
Get more information
Visit CareerOneStop’s Credentials Center to explore your options and learn more about what it takes to enroll in a degree program, or search for colleges using CareerOneStop’s Local Training Finder.