Earning a college degree while serving in the U.S. Military comes with many benefits. Whether you’re looking to advance your rank, prepare for civilian life, or develop leadership skills, pursuing higher education at SUNY during your service can help you meet your goals.
Here’s what you need to know.
What are the benefits of earning a college degree while on active duty?
- Earn promotion points
- Get Military Tuition Assistance (TA) to help cover costs
- Receive college credit for your military training
- Enhance leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
- Prepare for post-service career opportunities
You can begin with a microcredential, certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or even a master’s degree—whatever fits your current schedule and long-term goals.
How to choose a major as a military student
Not sure what to study? The Department of Labor’s ONET military crosswalk tool helps you match your military job (MOS) to civilian careers and majors.
Popular majors for military students include:
- Business and Leadership
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Health Sciences and Nursing
- History
- Information Technology
- Psychology
- Security Studies
- Teacher Education
You might choose a degree that builds on your current military role or prepares you for life after service.
What education funding is available for military students?
Active-duty service members can tap into several funding sources:
- Military Tuition Assistance (TA): Pays up to $250 per credit, with an annual cap of $4,500
- Top-Up Program: Use VA benefits to cover costs beyond TA limits
- Pell Grants: Apply through the FAFSA to determine eligibility
- Private scholarships: Many nonprofits and institutions offer military-specific funding
Why choose SUNY for your education?
The State University of New York (SUNY) offers:
- 7,000+ certificate and degree programs across 64 campuses
- 750+ fully online programs and 200+ hybrid programs
- $50 application fee waived for service members, veterans, and families (for up to 7 campuses)
- Worldwide access to flexible online learning, an ideal option for active-duty members
- Military credit evaluation via the Joint Services Transcript (JST) and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
How do I get college credit for my military training?
Your active duty and national guard experience can help you finish faster. SUNY accepts:
- Joint Services Transcript (JST): evaluates training through the American Council on Education (ACE)
- Community College of the Air Force (CCAF): regionally accredited, transcripts Air Force training
These credits can significantly reduce both the cost and time to graduation.
What makes a college “military-friendly”?
SUNY campuses offer:
- Dedicated VA Certifying Officers
- Military & Veteran Resource Centers
- Student Veterans of America chapters
- ROTC programs
- Academic and family support, including on-site childcare
- Career-aligned programs that reflect military experience
FAQ about College While on Active Duty
- Does the military pay for college?
Yes. Military Tuition Assistance pays $250 per credit (up to $4,500 per year), and VA Top-Up and federal grants can cover additional costs. - Can I go to college while on active duty?
Yes. Flexible online and hybrid degree programs let you earn a credential from anywhere in the world. - Can I get college credit for my military training?
Yes. Your training is evaluated by ACE and recorded in the JST or CCAF transcript, which SUNY reviews for transfer credit.
Ready to get started?
Apply online at suny.edu/apply with no application fee for military-affiliated students. Submit your JST or CCAF transcript for a free evaluation of your training.
At SUNY, you’ll be supported from application to graduation. Check out SUNY’s military and veteran page for assistance.
