Those who have served in the military know that the easiest and quickest road to a destination may not always be the best path to follow. The same is certainly true when it comes to higher education.

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a college and determining what type of degree to pursue. While exploring colleges, it may be more tempting to enroll in the institution that offers you the most credits for your military training and experience. But while that may look good on paper, it may not be the smartest route.

"You have to ask yourself what are your goals. If the credits are towards a degree that you don’t want or aren’t going to be able to use, that may not be the best decision for you," said David Chase, assistant vice president, site operations and military distance learning for Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

While receiving credits for experience and coursework completed is important, there are other issues to weigh. In addition to goals, both long and short term, Chase recommends determining what kind of degree is needed to pursue those goals, what types of educational venues are available and realistic for the skills and needs of the students, what support systems are in place to ensure student success, and the reputation and accreditation of the college or university.

Chase suggests that veterans interested in pursing higher education develop a relationship with their advisors early on – even before enrolling in an institution.

Rob Curry, the director of advising services, office of distance learning, agrees. "I work with students often well in advance of their studies. Students need assistance in knowing what credits they are receiving for what, what the credits can be used towards – the advisor will help the student look at the options."

Curry echoes Chase’s cautions against pursuing the quickest degree route. The quickest degree may get you the degree faster, he said, but it may end up costing you more time in the long run. "You may find out that you have to pursue a second associate degree or that you are making up courses that you need for the bachelor’s degree and it ends up taking even longer or you can’t use some of your benefits to pay for your education," he said.

Accreditation is important, particularly for students who may want to pursue a graduate degree, work in a field that requires licensure or pursue a career in a specified area. "For example, if a student wants to be an engineer, they should make sure the college is ABET accredited," Curry said.

Good preparation before enrolling in higher education is key to avoiding what Chase refers to as "educational remorse."

"We see it all the time when a student decides he wants to go on to graduate school or take a professional exam and they realize the program they took may not make them eligible for that route," he said.

Despite all the factors that may seem overwhelming, Chase encourages veterans to take advantage of the educational benefits their military service has allowed them. "These benefits provide some wonderful educational opportunities. Find out what is available and pursue those opportunities."