Set Yourself Up for Success After Service
Transitioning from military service to civilian life comes with many challenges, but choosing the right college degree can make a huge difference in finding a high-paying, rewarding career. The key is to pick a degree that builds on your military experience and aligns with growing industries that value leadership, discipline, and technical skills.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best degree programs for military service members looking to maximize their career opportunities after service.

1. Choosing a Degree That Aligns with Your Military Skills
Your time in the military has provided you with technical expertise, leadership experience, and problem-solving skills. Choosing a degree that complements those strengths can help you transition smoothly into a high-demand civilian career.

Key Factors to Consider:
✔ Does the degree match my military experience? Some degrees allow you to transfer military credits, reducing the time needed to graduate.
✔ Are jobs in this field growing? Look for careers with high demand and competitive salaries.
✔ What are the earning potentials? Some careers pay over six figures with the right degree.

💡 Pro Tip: Certain degrees allow you to use Joint Services Transcript (JST) credits to fast-track your education and save money.

2. Top Degree Programs for Military Veterans
🔹 Cybersecurity & Information Technology
Why It’s a Great Fit: Many military roles involve cybersecurity, IT, and intelligence, making this a seamless transition for veterans.
Average Salary: $112,000+
Job Outlook: Expected to grow 32% in the next decade.
Best Jobs: Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Security Manager, Network Engineer.
🔹 Criminal Justice & Homeland Security
Why It’s a Great Fit: If you have law enforcement, military police, or security experience, this degree leads to careers in federal agencies, law enforcement, and homeland security.
Average Salary: $74,000+
Best Jobs: FBI Agent, Border Patrol Agent, Emergency Management Director.
🔹 Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Aerospace)
Why It’s a Great Fit: Many military jobs involve technical and mechanical expertise, making engineering an excellent career path.
Average Salary: $95,000+
Best Jobs: Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer.
🔹 Business Administration & Management
Why It’s a Great Fit: Leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving are key military skills that translate well into business careers.
Average Salary: $85,000+
Best Jobs: Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, Business Analyst.
🔹 Healthcare & Nursing
Why It’s a Great Fit: If you worked as a medic or in military healthcare, you can transition into high-paying civilian medical roles.
Average Salary: $78,000+
Best Jobs: Registered Nurse, Physician Assistant, Healthcare Administrator.
📢 Want to find the best degree for you? Fill out our Military Edu Advisors lead form and get matched with a college today!

3. How to Pay for Your Degree with Military Benefits
The cost of college can be intimidating, but military members have access to education benefits that cover tuition and fees.

Tuition Assistance (TA) Program
Covers up to 100% of tuition for active-duty service members.
Available for Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard members.
Post-9/11 GI Bill®
Covers tuition, housing, and books for veterans pursuing a degree.
Includes full tuition coverage for public universities and up to $27,120 per year for private schools.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Helps cover additional tuition costs beyond the GI Bill® limit.
Great for private and out-of-state schools.
💡 Pro Tip: Some schools offer military credit transfers to reduce the number of classes needed to graduate.

4. Fast-Track Your Degree with Military Transfer Credits
Did you know your military training and experience can count toward college credits? Many universities accept Joint Services Transcript (JST) credits, allowing you to skip general education courses.

Ways to Earn College Credit Faster:
✔ CLEP & DSST Exams: Test out of college courses by passing an exam.
✔ Military Training Evaluations: Certain training programs count toward college credit.
✔ Accelerated Online Classes: Complete courses in 8-week terms instead of a full semester.

📢 Get started today! Visit Military Edu Advisors to explore colleges that maximize your military training for credit.

5. Take the Next Step Toward Your Future
Choosing the right degree can set you up for long-term career success. Whether you’re interested in technology, business, criminal justice, or healthcare, there’s a degree program designed for your skills and experience.

🎓 Ready to enroll? Take the next step by filling out our Military Edu Advisors lead form and start your journey toward a high-paying civilian career today!