Military Spouse Discount on Education and College Credits

This post is sponsored by Study.com

I have always thought education is incredibly valuable for any military spouse. Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, have a starter job, or are already working in a career you love, education opens more doors and opportunities. As a military spouse and a mother, I understand firsthand the unique challenges we face when it comes to pursuing education. The constant relocations, deployments, and the demanding nature of military life can make it seem impossible to focus on your personal growth and academic goals. And with the high cost of college classes, most of us need a military spouse discount on education. However, I’m here to tell you that not only is it possible, but it’s an essential goal for all military spouses.

College Education, While Raising Toddlers

I vividly remember my decision to pursue my next degree: my husband had just re-enlisted and we learned I was pregnant with our first child. I figured life was never going to get any easier, so I better start now! An educational benefit from the company I worked for was the decisive factor—getting a degree would never become more affordable either, so I wanted to use the employee benefit while I could.

One year later, I had to leave the company when we did a PCS move. I was now paying out of pocket for classes. As a stay-at-home mom, while my husband was deployed, I was juggling the responsibilities of parenting alone and managing our household. The thought of continuing to pursue my education seemed daunting, especially when I learned I was pregnant with baby #2, but I knew it was a step I needed to take for myself and my family’s future. Even though I took a semester off for my son’s birth, I’m proud to say I finally finished my degree just before I had baby #3!

The Importance of Education for Military Spouses

Education is more than just a degree; it’s a pathway to personal growth, increased opportunities, and a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond our roles as spouses and parents. Here’s why I believe education is crucial for all military spouses:

1. Personal fulfillment and growth—lean into your unique skills and identity
2. Increased career opportunities—degrees allow you to apply for a wider variety of jobs
3. Financial independence—everyone should have the ability to support themselves, just in case
4. Adaptability in the face of frequent moves—you never know what options will be available at future duty stations!

Study.com’s College Saver: A Military Spouse Discount on Education

Because I’m always telling spouses how important it is for them to pursue their educational and professional goals, I was excited when I discovered Study.com’s College Saver program. This innovative approach to earning college credits addresses many of the challenges military spouses face when pursuing higher education.

Study.com’s College Saver plan is designed to help students save both time and money on their college degree. In fact, students can potentially save thousands of dollars on their degree through this program. Here’s what makes it stand out:

• Extensive Course Selection: With 230 courses offering transferable college credit, including both lower and upper division classes, you have a wide range of options to choose from.
• Flexibility and Self-Pacing: The courses are entirely self-paced, allowing you to study when it’s convenient for you. Short video lessons and a mobile app make it easy to progress through courses even during short periods, like on a work break or while waiting in the kids’ school pick-up line.
• Efficient Learning: Placement tests help you test out of material you already know, allowing you to complete courses even faster.
• Wide Acceptance: Courses are aligned with the requirements of more than 1,500 universities, ensuring that your credits will be valuable and transferable.
• Guidance and Support: Study.com can help guide you through the process, making your educational journey smoother and more manageable.

Why College Saver is Perfect for Military Families

As military spouses, we face unique challenges when it comes to education. College Saver addresses these challenges in several ways:

1. Location Independence: Your studies move with you, wherever you go. You can work towards your college degree without worrying about interruptions if you’re reassigned to a new location.
2. Flexibility: The program provides the flexibility needed when balancing other responsibilities or supporting a spouse on active duty. You can study early in the morning, late at night, or whenever you find pockets of time in your busy schedule.
3. Online Accessibility: With courses being completely online, you eliminate the challenge of figuring out how to get to in-person classes, which can be particularly difficult when living on or near a military base, or when stationed overseas.
4. Career Advancement: For military members themselves, College Saver can help those who need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for certain positions or who are preparing for their post-military careers.
5. Comprehensive Resource: Study.com can be a one-stop shop for military families. In addition to offering a low-cost, flexible path to college credit through College Saver, Study.com offers:

• Test prep for military exams like the ASVAB
• Homeschooling resources
• Homework help

My Education Advice to Fellow Military Spouses

As someone who has been through the journey of pursuing education while managing the demands of military life, here’s my advice:

Start Now: Don’t wait for the “perfect” time – it may never come. Start your educational journey today, even if it’s just one course at a time.

Embrace Flexibility: Programs like Study.com’s College Saver are designed with our lifestyle in mind. Take advantage of the flexibility they offer.

Set Realistic Goals: Be kind to yourself and set achievable goals. Progress, no matter how small, is still progress.

Seek Support: Lean on your community, both online and offline. Many military spouses are on similar journeys and can offer support and advice.

Remember Your Why: When things get tough, remind yourself why you started this journey. Your education is an investment in yourself and your family’s future.

Study.com’s Special Offer for New Members

If you’re ready to start your educational journey with Study.com’s College Saver program, I have great news! New members can receive 25% off their first month. Simply use this link when signing up, and the discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

As military spouses, we are adaptable and capable of achieving great things. Pursuing education, despite the challenges of military life, is not just possible – it’s a powerful way to invest in ourselves and our futures. With resources like Study.com’s College Saver, we have more opportunities than ever to achieve our educational goals on our own terms.

Your education is more than just a personal achievement. It’s a testament to the strength and determination of military spouses everywhere. So let’s embrace these opportunities, support each other, and show the world what we’re capable of achieving. Your educational journey starts now, and the possibilities are endless!