Your military service is valuable—and it can shave months or years off your college degree. Through programs like ACE, JST, and CLEP, you can earn college credit for your training, skills, and experience. Here’s how to make it happen.
American Council on Education (ACE) Credits
ACE evaluates military training and experience, recommending college credit for courses and occupations.
Key Details
- Coverage: Up to 60 credits for training, equivalent to two years of college.
- Eligibility: Active-duty, Veterans, and reservists with documented training.
- Usage: In 2023, 1,800+ colleges accepted ACE credits, saving students $10,000+ in tuition.
Action Steps
- Review Your Training: Check your military records for ACE-evaluated courses.
- Request a Transcript: Get your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to document ACE recommendations.
- Submit to Schools: Send your JST to colleges
Joint Services Transcript (JST)
The JST is your official record of military training, experience, and ACE-recommended credits.
Key Details
- Coverage: Includes courses, occupational specialties, and certifications (e.g., leadership, technical skills).
- Eligibility: Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force members.
- Impact: 65% of Veterans using JST earned 6–30 credits toward their degree.
Action Steps
- Access JST: Log into jst.doded.mil to download your transcript.
- Check Credits: Review ACE recommendations for your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or training.
- Send to College: Submit your JST to your school’s registrar or via tuitioncovered.com/jst-guide.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP exams let you test out of college courses, earning 3–12 credits per exam based on your military knowledge.
Key Details
- Coverage: 33 exams covering subjects like math, history, and business. Free for active-duty and eligible Veterans.
- Eligibility: Military personnel and Veterans with DANTES funding.
- Success Rate: 72% of military test-takers pass CLEP exams, earning $1,200–$4,800 in tuition savings per exam.
Action Steps
- Pick Exams: Choose subjects matching your experience at clep.collegeboard.org.
- Study Up: Use free resources
- Schedule a Test: Register through a DANTES Test Center or local college.
- Submit Scores: Send results to your school for credit evaluation.
Why It Matters
Military experience can cut your degree timeline by up to 50%, saving $15,000–$30,000 in tuition. In 2022, 120,000 Veterans earned credits through ACE, JST, and CLEP, with 80% reporting faster degree completion. Your service is a head start—use it to accelerate your education and career.