Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC): The Basics

This network of over 1,700 colleges and universities makes meeting educational goals a real possibility —despite the frequent moves associated with military service.

If you are in a position that requires you to relocate frequently, you may be hesitant to enroll in a degree program. DANTES saw that a solution was needed to this problem and created a network of colleges and universities that would allow servicemembers and their families to have the type of educational opportunities they deserve.

Basically, schools agree to work together by accepting all credits from other SOC schools and the agree to lower residency requirements (this refers to the number of credits you need at a particular school to get a degree from that school). They also try to include online/ distance learning options in addition to regular classroom programs and courses.

Networks for Each Branch
The SOC has separate networks for each branch SOCAD (Army), SOCNAV (Navy), SOCMAR (Marine Corps), SOCCOAST (Coast Guard), and SOCGuard (Army National Guard). The Air Force does not have a specific SOC division, but the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) does work directly with the SOC under the general SOC program. Each network offers servicemembers the ability to pursue associate and bachelor’s degree programs near or on military installations worldwide. Plus, all colleges and universities are accredited and accept military benefits.

DANTES also offers the ConAP

Take the Next Step
If you are interested in learning more or enrolling in an SOC school, you should contact your local Educational Services Office. Additionally, you can find information about all SOC schools at USMilitary’s School Finder and can even have a school representative contact you to answer school-specific questions.