By Ann Wells
Content Provided by LIFELines
You may think that completing your college degree
is impossible, given the frequent relocation that
comes with being an active-duty Sailor, Soldier or
spouse. But -- hang on to your mortarboard -- you
can finish your degree. The whole world is moving
around nowadays, and both the Department of Defense
and educational institutions nationwide have responded
by making it possible for shifting students to complete
their educational goals.
The DoD has long recognized the benefits of higher
education to its servicemembers and has created many
programs to assist students.
The SOC Program
The Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) program
is a network of more than 1,200 colleges and universities
that accommodate mobile military students and their
families by accepting each others credits. Students
select one of the SOC schools as their "home college"
and must complete at least 25 percent of the degree
program through that school. The remaining requirements
can be completed via the Internet, a fellow SOC university,
or through other non-traditional methods.
Spouses and family members can also take advantage of the SOC network. The
SOC program allows students to move forward academically
while moving around physically.
E-Learning Programs
If you prefer to stay with one school, consider an
e-degree. The advent of online education is changing
the face of the modern college degree. You can begin
your courses in Florida, complete a few in Texas,
and finish up in North Carolina, all with the same
educational institution and without losing any credits.
College credits are offered for some Navy Knowledge
Online courses in information technology, professional,
business development, and Navy development. While
you cannot receive your degree through Navy E-Learning,
you can receive some credits toward your degree.
Some online college programs are offered through a
recognized university, while some are purely virtual,
and exist only in cyberspace. To find the right online
college for you, do some research on the institution
-- make sure it is accredited and has some experience
in conducting online courses. Take a look at eCollege,
or Petersons.com Learning (look under Adult/Distance
Learning) for more information about online learning.
Where to Find Financing
One of the biggest challenges faced by students is
paying for their higher education. Scholarship and
grant opportunities are everywhere, but you won't
get a scholarship if you dont apply for one.
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society gives or lends
millions of dollars a year for the education of Sailors,
Marines, and their families. For details on grants,
interest-free loans and application deadlines, visit
the NMCRS website.
The Internet is a good place to look for information
on financing your education. Try the SallieMae website
for a free online scholarship service, low-cost lender
search, calculators, and the basics of financial aid.
Completing your college degree is an enormous challenge, even without the added obstacles posed by military life. Fortunately, there are ways around these obstacles and programs are in place to help you get that degree.
Where to Find Information for Sailors and Marines
A great resource for college planning is the local
Navy College Office or
Marine Corps Lifelong Learning Program, also known as the Marine Corp Education Center or the Joint Education Center. Counselors at these offices are available for education counseling and college degree planning.
As an active-duty, separated, or retired Sailor or Marine, a good place to begin your college planning is to review your Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART). The transcript details recommended credits for military training and experience. The SMART website includes information on college-level exams taken at military facilities and college courses funded by the military. Some of these credits can be counted toward your degree and will reduce the time and money needed to complete your degree.
Counselors at the local college office can help you obtain a copy of your SMART. The SMART is also available toll-free at (877) 253-7122.
The Navy College website also contains information on Navy rated partnership schools, which offer rating-related degrees via the Internet.
