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Active Duty and their Families

Palomar College welcomes Active Duty Military Personnel and their spouses and dependents. We work hard to make it easy for you to pursue your college degree. Over 1,400 active or former military members or their families currently attend Palomar. Here are some of the ways we support you:

We treat you like family!
While you are assigned in the local area on active duty, you and your dependents are granted courtesy IN-STATE residency
We help you progress!
As a Service Members Opportunity College (SOC), we make it easy to transfer credits from other SOC’s you may have attended and credit earned at Palomar will transfer to other SOC’s that you may attend in the future.

We make it convenient for you!
As northern San Diego county’s largest community college, we offer classes aboard Camp Pendleton. Palomar offers many online courses. We never penalize you if your studies are interrupted by deployment orders.
We recognize your accomplishments!
You may be awarded college credits towards your degree for your military training

We give you special attention!
We have dedicated advisors and an enthusiastic Veterans’ Services office staff from all branches of the service to answer your questions and walk you through the process.
We can reward your service!Depending on your situation and needs, you and /or your dependents may qualify for assistance through our California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver, or our Education for Heroes Scholarship. Speak with an advisor for additional information.

Attention – Active Duty Military Spouses!

Spouses interested in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (CAA) can get more information here: https://www.military.com/education/money-for-school/military-spouse-career-advancement-accounts-financial-aid.html 

“What do I do next?”

If Active Duty:

    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Click here
    2. Read about your Service Branch’s Tuition Assistance:
      Air Force TA
      Army TA
      Coast Guard TA
      Marine Corp TA
      Navy TA
      National Guard TA
      Reserve TA
    3. Contact your Base Education Center (See links to local area installations:
      Camp Pendleton
      Coronado Naval Base
      Miramar Air Station
      San Diego Naval Station
      March Air Reserve Base
    4. Apply for Admission to Palomar College. Click here.

If Dependent:

    1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Click here
    2. Apply for Admission to Palomar College. Click here.
Last modified on February 4, 2022