Will I Get Free College if I Join the Military?

Military recruiters often use the promise of free education benefits for enlistment. The possibility of earning a college degree is enticing, but some wonder if they will qualify for financial assistance eligibility after their military service.

There are multiple programs available to service members that will cover most or all of their full-time college tuition costs. These programs include tuition assistance programs that pay upfront stipends as well as repayment plans that reimburse students to thank them for their service. These programs have restrictions and limits based on years of service, branch, and other factors.

Does Joining the Military Give You Free College?

Military members are eligible for tuition assistance programs that cover most or all college education costs. Multiple programs including branch-specific and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship programs, different versions of the GI Bill Benefits program, and more. These programs are available to nearly all active duty service members and veterans, but each has eligibility requirements and benefits.

Will the Military Pay for All 4 Years of College?

Some programs will cover all four years, but most programs limit how much money can be received yearly. Many students can use these programs to earn a tuition-free bachelor's degree.

Do You Get College Credit for Joining the Military?

You don't automatically get college credit for military service, but there are ways you can leverage your military training into credit. College students in or formerly served in the armed forces can submit applications for a Joint Service Transcript or a Community College for Air Force credit to convert their military training and learning experience into civilian college credits at participating universities.

How Long Do You Have To Serve in the Military To Get Free College?

Eligibility will vary based on the program. Some assistance programs are limited to active duty members, regardless of time enlisted. Other programs, like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, require 90 days of service after September 10, 2001, while the Montgomery GI Bill requires two years of military service to qualify for benefits.

Military Financial Aid Benefits

Military financial aid benefits are designed to help active duty service members, veterans, and their family members with the costs associated with higher education. These programs help pay tuition and student loan repayment plans for military families. Each program has unique requirements and benefit amounts, so ensure you review all programs you're eligible for to receive the highest amount of benefits you're eligible for.

1. Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill, or the Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD), requires two years of active duty service. However, you don't have to be on active duty at the time of benefit usage. Four eligibility categories (I, II, III, or IV) exist. Each has unique requirements. These four categories usually include requirements based on enlistment date, high school graduation, and time served based on your enlistment agreement.

How Much Does the GI Bill Pay?

The Montgomery GI Bill pays different amounts based on five criteria:

• length of continuous service
• chosen degree program or higher education
• qualifying category status (I, II, III, or IV)
• whether you qualify for a branch-specific GI Bill Kicker Fund
• investment in the $600 Buy-Up program

2. Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is a program that covers full in-state tuition at public universities for students who served for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. This program also includes a housing allowance, money for books and supplies, and even a one-time moving payment.

Students must choose between the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bills. Students should review their benefits and find the one that will provide the most for their education if they are eligible for both. Students can't switch programs once they begin receiving benefits.

What Are the Requirements To Qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill?

Students must meet multiple criteria to qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including:

• 90 total days of active duty after September 10, 2001
• received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and received an honorable discharge, regardless of service length
• 30 continuous service days starting on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability
• you are a dependent child of a qualifying veteran or active duty service member

3. Military College Funds

There are multiple branch-specific college funds, called the GI Bill Kicker. The Department of Defense offers these funds to increase student payments from their GI Bill payments, sometimes up to $950.

These programs are limited based on budget constraints, meaning you might be eligible and still not receive the benefit or the complete amount. Each branch also has unique requirements, so it's important to review the benefits and requirements for your branch with support staff or your school's financial aid office.

Army College Fund

Army veterans or service members will find their eligibility on Department of Army Form 3286-66, which they will receive when their active enlistment starts. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can send this form if it is lost or needs to be submitted to a college.

Marine Corps College Fund

The Marine Corps kicker fund requires applicants to have 36 months of active duty service for full tuition payments. Benefits can be accessed at a limited rate with only 90 days of service.

Navy College Fund

The Navy College Fund is first-come, first-served among qualifying service members. In addition to age and enlistment date requirements, applicants must agree to additional service time and payment reductions.

Air Force College Fund

The Air Force Kicker can be up to 36 months of education expenses that can be applied up to 15 years after the end of your service. This money can be used for undergraduate and graduate degree programs and other school costs like books and housing.

Space Force College Fund

The Space Force College Fund has many of the same requirements and guidelines as the Air Force, as the two branches are closely related. Students can receive the same total of 36 months of benefits for all qualified school expenses.

4. Military Scholarships

The various military branches offer individual scholarships in return for services and ROTC scholarships. The ROTC program allows opportunities for students to pay for college and then perform military service after graduation, as opposed to the GI Bill which has service come first. These scholarship programs vary amongst the branches and amounts are often dependent on type of service, length of service, and the degree program you enroll in.

5. Tuition Assistance

The individual branches also offer tuition assistance programs in various amounts outside of the Federal GI Bill programs. Qualified veterans and active duty service members in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard can receive up to $4,500 yearly for school expenses, including tuition, books, and housing.