Guide to Military Colleges and Universities

When thinking about military universities, most people picture an elaborate and elitist admission process. In the past many cadets and midshipmen were primarily inducted by local congressmen. Having friends in high places was a necessary part of getting to step into the prestigious halls of military colleges.

Today, however, the game has changed. Several doors of army colleges are opened for the young man or woman who desires the benefits of a military education. In a world that has an increasing demand for the skills developed at a military college, you do not have to count on who you know but who you are.

There are three major avenues to gaining admission to military institutes:

1. Petition your local congressman. This traditional approach is one way to reach the most exclusive military universities, such as West Point and Annapolis.
2. Apply to a military education program as an enlisted person in the armed services. Promoting through the ranks is an increasingly popular way to receive a military education at a public university.
3. Enroll at one of the more open military universities in order to be prepared for a future military career.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

For the US military academies, first distinguish yourself as a community member

To get the attention of your local congressman, you must be a top academic performer. However, good grades alone aren't enough. You should also participate in athletics, charities and other general community activities that demonstrates your involvement and contribution to the place where you live.

I recommend: West Point explains what it takes to make a successful application to the army's military academy. Get in touch with your congressman as soon as you're serious about admission to military universities. You can look up your elected officials at the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and at the US Senate.

If you're on active duty, ask your company education officer about US military schools

All commands have a designated education officer who is in place to identify and encourage enlisted personnel who qualify for a more extensive military education. Open a line of communication with this individual in order to be considered for these career advancement possibilities in army colleges.

I recommend: Find out which type of education program best suits who you are. Specialty programs are in place to encourage the promotion of historically marginalized people. Opportunities, like the Airman Scholarship and Commissioning Program (ASCP), give an active duty person the chance to receive pay while attending a university and ROTC practice.

Consider local military universities

Many states have military colleges that lead to a commission in one of the services. While this choice might lack some of the prestige of the bigger academies, these smaller institutes will provide you with a chance to live in a military environment without having to make an irreversible commitment.

I recommend: Choose a school that offers an acceptable compromise between accessibility and affordibility. A reliable gateway to these universities is through the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States (AMCSUS). Other programs that provide education opportunities to US Military schools include the well known GI Bill. To apply to these military school benefits visit the office of Veteran's Affairs.

Look no further than your laptop for a military education

With an increasing interest in accessibility, many military schools have begun offering an online option for accelerated programs for the military. Military online colleges can often allow for education in a tight work schedule.

I recommend: Military online schools like Rio Salado College can offer degrees in military science that will advance your military career. Convenience is something many army colleges just can't offer.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If choosing an online military college, make sure to check into school credentials. If unsure, check with the DOE or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

The official source of Military Colleges and Universities is
the Military Colleges and Universities page at Business.com