This resource provides a national overview of state policies to award college students with academic credit for military experience. Click on the question below for a 50-state comparison, or choose to view a specific state’s policy by going to the individual state profile page.
States received a “yes” if their policy provides for the awarding of postsecondary academic credit for military experience. As used in this resource, military experience includes all training, coursework, education, programs and professional experience gained in the course of military activities and service. Many states have directed licensing boards to provide credit or waive requirements for veterans seeking professional licenses or certifications; these policies are not included in this resource.
The information provided here complements another ECS resource, 50-State Comparison: Prior Learning Assessment Policies.
Key Takeaways
- Thirty states, plus the District of Columbia, have a policy to award academic credit for military experience.
- States have approached informing college students about academic credit opportunities in a variety of ways. In some states, information about eligible courses must be made available in an online database, while other states require students to meet with a college adviser.
- In lieu of a military-specific policy, two states (Hawaii and Oregon) address credit for military experience in their statutes that establish prior learning assessment policies. Other states (New Mexico and North Carolina) have addressed this issue using non-statutory language or temporary provisions.
