Military Transfer Credit

As recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE), United States military training, testing, and other appropriate academic experience may be considered for transfer into a National University degree program. Except for military training courses specifically designated by ACE as equivalent to graduate coursework, military transfer credit will be limited to undergraduate programs.

NU will accept the minimum semester credits, levels of study, and subject areas recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) on all military training courses, selected Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) and Ratings.

The maximum amount of transfer credit granted for military education is 135 quarter credits (90 semester credits). An additional nine (9) credits of correspondence coursework may be granted for active or veteran students who served in the Marine Corps.

Acceptable Transcripts and Credits

Military training and experience must be documented on an official military transcript system supported by ACE credit recommendations. These include AARTS (Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System), SMARTS (Sailor Marine American Council of Education Registry Transcript System), CCAF (Community College of the Air Force), USCGI (United States Coast Guard Institute), or similar.

College transcripts sent directly to the Army National Guard Institute or other partnership agency and forwarded to NU with the original envelope showing that it was not received by the student may be accepted as official transcripts.

The recommended ACE credit must appear on an official transcript from the institution where they were earned. Work that is not documented on an official military transcript system may be considered on an individual basis when proper military documentation of military course completion is presented to NU for assessment.

Coursework Credits

Transfer credit for military or veteran applicants at the undergraduate level toward bachelor’s degrees are accepted by NU on the following basis:

• Undergraduate credits must be completed at a regionally or nationally accredited post-secondary institution and must be earned with a grade of “C-” or better
• Military training or coursework must have been evaluated by an outside agency (i.e. ACE, institutions of higher learning) for academic content and semester credit equivalency
• Courses accepted in transfer must relate to the program and degree being pursued and must be equivalent to the degree program requirements, including specified electives

Military Experience Credits

Credit for military experience may be awarded based on Army MOS, Navy Ratings, Marine Corps MOS, and/or Coast Guard Ratings. The School Dean or designee shall determine the equivalency and transfer credit for each MOS or rating matched to a bachelor’s degree program or concentration.

Credit awarded based on a rating or MOS may not duplicate any credits given for military training. Credit awarded is limited to primary ratings and duty ratings with a minimum of one-year experience. Credit for Army MOS will be limited to levels 30-50 and will not include secondary MOS. Similar levels will be effective for other services.

Transcript Evaluation for Students Using VA Education Benefits

In addition to transcripts needed to meet basis for admissions requirements, for students electing to use VA Educational Benefits, such as GI Bill®️, NU will inquire about all previous education and training, and request transcripts from students for all prior institutions. This includes transcripts for military training, traditional college coursework, and vocational training. A copy of an unofficial transcript is sufficient for the purpose of an initial evaluation. Transcripts for education and training from prior institutions will be evaluated and credit will be granted, as appropriate, per the University’s Transfer Credit Policy.