A college alternative easily overlooked is Navy College on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and its college partners, Columbia College of Missouri and Brandman University, Chapman University System. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which was formerly on the base and is now located on Goldie Road in Oak Harbor, is another alternative for military and civilian students.

“Currently I would say our students are about 75 percent active duty and 25 percent are retirees, veterans or civilians,” said Barbara Bockman, Director of Brandman University.

“But the VA population is really growing in our in-seat programs,” said MarJean Knokey, director of Columbia College.

“Our veteran population has grown substantially,” said Embry-Riddle campus director Patrick Travenetti. “They are a great part of our student base.”

For those who are interested in taking college courses on base, there is no shortage of help available and the services are convenient. Students can get information on career counseling, financial aid and more all from one office.

“We take them from the cradle all the way through to their degree,” said Knokey. “It’s important to us to make sure students are getting what they want.”

And for students who haven’t been in a classroom for a long time, the goal is to offer as much assistance as necessary to make them feel comfortable.

“We specialize in adult learners,” said Bockman. “We have an executive coaching program that can help students brush up on those skills. We understand that life goes on whether you’re in school or not, that’s the thing about our program.”

“If someone will take the time to come in, we can counsel and guide them,” agreed Navy College Director Cheryl Pollock. “We want to help them succeed at what they want to do.”

“The counselors at the colleges on base and here at Embry-Riddle are passionate about what they do,” Travenetti said. “And talk to your potential employer of choice and find out what they’re looking for. Ask them if you would be more marketable in a particular position if you have a degree.”

As more and more adults train for new careers, the number of adult learners on NAS Whidbey is likely to grow. According to Pollock, at least 25 percent of the sailors on base are actively engaged in college programs, testing, classes or enrolled at Skagit Valley College.

“The Navy is not a guaranteed 20-year career any longer,” she said. “A lot of active duty are looking for a second career.”

“When the economy is down, education is up,” said Bockman. “And we’re seeing more and more that a bachelor’s degree is not enough.”

For those who say that even with a college degree, jobs are hard to come by, that may be true. But education is still a good bet.

“If you look at the numbers, people with an education have lower unemployment rates,” Knokey said. “So it’s still giving you an edge. And you’d be crazy not to use benefits if you have them coming.”

“Don’t underestimate the value of a degree,” Travenetti said. “It doesn’t necessarily make you a brain surgeon, but it makes you more marketable in whatever career you choose, especially when combined with military experience.”

“We give credit for military experience,” said Bockman, who recommends veterans and retirees bring in their DD214. “That’s a nice piece of a bachelor’s degree.

“They might have college credit they don’t even know they have,” she said.

Pollock encourages anyone interested to stop by the Navy College office, which is located in the Navy Operational Support Center on the Ault Field base on Midway Street, just west of the gas station.

“If they have any documentation from prior colleges, military transcripts, that kind of thing, bring it along,” she said. “Go to the websites. Give us a call. Make an appointment.”

“If you try to put a square peg in a  round hole, you just get splinters,” Knokey said. “So we want our students to get what they need.”

“And they’re going to get everything they need right here,” said Bockman.