We can learn from colleges and universities that consistently acknowledge military education and training and prior learning assessments. There is an opportunity for many higher education institutions to improve their credit for prior learning (CPL) processes and outcomes for military-connected students. Recent studies revealed that 1 in 5 veterans said they did not receive college credit from military education and training and only about 36 percent of veterans overall receive college credit for their military experience. Maximizing how military service is translated into higher education programs leads to more veteran graduates and transitional support into civilian careers.

Some schools are readily focused on recognizing CPL for their military-connected population and have successfully implemented a system that could be used as inspiration for others. Just a few of those institutions include:

• Purdue University Global
• Thomas Edison State University
• University of Maryland Global Campus
• Excelsior University
• Western Governors University
• Texas A&M University Texarkana
• Southern New Hampshire University
• California State University
• State University of New York
• Utah Valley University
• American Military University
• Liberty University
• Colorado State University Global
• National University

What do all of these universities have in common? First, they tend to accept up to approximately 90 or more transfer credits (JST, CLEP, DSST, ACE, etc.). They are also designed with degree completion in mind and have evaluation processes in place that convert military education and training into college credits. Looking at Thomas Edison State University's model example, they offer a dedicated military degree completion program and Operation Vet Success that houses specific resources per branch as well as for spouses and dependents. Even more, military students with international credit, prior learning badges, prior learning assessments, and evaluation of military experience for credit are assessed for each student. They include unique approaches like the professional learning review specific to organizational training and individual learning accounts that document college-level learning, including military experience, into one transcript as a non-degree service.

Re-envisioning Military CPL Together

Some colleges and universities that have outdated or nonexistent CPL processes do not have to start from the beginning to improve CPL for their military-connected students. Sharing advice and tips at well-known higher education conferences, such as the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME), American Council on Education (ACE), Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), and working with veteran advocacy organizations is a great place to start and gain traction.

CPL does not only benefit military-connected learners but all learners. You can learn more about CAEL's mission to continuously shape CPL for over 50 years.

Those interested in learning from other institutions can start by taking a look at this article on things to consider when implementing a credit and experience transfer program at your institution.

Easy-to-navigate virtual resources, efficient processes, and specialized staff are a common thread among higher education institutions that have successfully implemented CPL. By learning from these models and collaborating across higher education institutions, best practices and efficient systems can continue to expand, creating a consistent experience for military-connected students. This ensures that the value of military education, training, and experiences are recognized, which also demonstrates true commitment.

Understanding How Military Experience Translates to Credit

The American Council on Education (ACE) reviews military coursework, jobs, and other experience to help colleges and universities understand how these experiences translate into the civilian education system. The sources where credit is most often accepted come from the ACE Military Guide, Joint Service Transcript (JST), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), professional military certifications, and military schools like the Community College of the Air Force.

Veterans and service members can use the public JST Upload Feature Tool themselves to see how their occupation and training translates into credit based on the ACE Military Guide. Colleges and universities should employ academic advisors who can offer assistance and have specific experience with military-affiliated credit transfers. . Understanding how military experience is interpreted and then having a conversation with all academic professionals on campus involved in the CPL process further helps put all of the pieces together so that military service leads to well-earned college credit that meets program requirements.

Military Learning for Credit Act of 2025

The Military Learning for Credit Act was introduced in July 2025 to both the Senate and House and has been referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on December 19, 2025. This legislation aims to help veterans earn more college credit from their military experience, particularly tests and portfolio assessments, through educational assistance benefits like the GI Bill®. This expands opportunities for experiential learning to be used alternatively to satisfy program requirements. It also saves money and time by accelerating the pathway to degree completion.

While the Military Learning for Credit Act has not passed yet, it has received bipartisan support. You can voice your support for this Bill by reaching out to your state representative or senator.

What Comes Next

Overall, results-oriented military CPL processes that currently exist across colleges and universities can be replicated and streamlined to create consistent and supportive pathways for military-connected students. Policymakers are also recognizing the importance of CPL, as demonstrated by the Military Learning for Credit Act. It starts with meaningful collaboration and the sharing of resources, networks, and information.

Article Topics

Military Friendly Institutions Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success

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