Is Going To College While in the Military Worth It?

1. Military Educational Benefits

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers multiple tuition assistance programs to help students afford higher education. Military students can receive reimbursement or GI Bill benefits to cover costs. Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is a program that covers college tuition costs and allows graduates to become military officers after graduation. ROTC programs are coordinated through individual military branches and not all schools offer all programs.

GI Bills

There are two GI bills, the Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These two programs reward members of the armed forces with different benefits based on length of service and enlistment date. These financial aid programs provide stipends that college students can use to pay for tuition and other school expenses. The GI Bills are designed to be used after service but some benefits can be used during active duty.

Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance programs are awarded to eligible college students in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. Students can receive up to $4500 per school year, based on individual college credit hour costs. All branches offer TA programs, but they have criteria they use to assign benefits.

Military College Funds

Each branch has funds that increase the monthly stipends from the Montgomery GI Bill. Students can receive up to an additional $950 from their branch. You aren't eligible to receive these 'kickers' if you enroll in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Military Scholarships

State and Private organizations provide scholarships to reward military experience for students. These programs have differing amounts, but free money programs like these scholarships can help close any gaps between military education benefits and total tuition costs. Some state-based scholarships will have enrollment requirements. This is generally an in-state, public university. These scholarships can be used for online programs, provided you meet in-state residency requirements.

2. Improved Leadership and Problem-Solving Skills

Many positive results of a college experience exist, especially when combined with military training. Students can learn skills that will apply to their service, such as leadership and problem-solving. Some bachelor's degree programs, such as business administration or management, will focus on these skills.

3. Smooth Transition to Civilian Life

Military careers often don't last as long as a civilian career path, and service members need to transition to civilian life. Service members develop many skills that will make them valuable candidates, but without a degree, there will be limits to some of the careers available.

A college degree will make it easier for a service member to apply for advanced career options after their service ends, but that isn't the only part of the transition that will be easier. A service member who attends college while enlisted can use their military benefits to avoid student loan debt.

4. Networking Opportunities

The American military has thousands of members, but attending college programs allows service members to network with people with similar interests from their military base. Service members can build connections that can help them with a civilian career after they complete their service.

5. Career Advancement

Becoming a commissioned officer is one of the most immediate benefits for active duty service members attending college. The individual branches have their requirements to be an officer, but they require a four-year degree. Completing an ROTC program or a college degree will allow you to apply for Officer Training School, leading to additional rank opportunities and higher pay grades.

FAQs About Going to College During Military Service

Active duty service members receive many benefits from attending college, but many don't know how to make the most of their education benefit programs. Speak to a recruiter or one of your superiors to better understand your financial assistance eligibility.

Is It Better To Go to College Before or After the Military?

It's often better to attend college before military service because of the ability to become a commissioned officer. Military service benefits include tuition reimbursement, so even if you acquire some student debt you might receive debt relief. Attending college after military service will qualify you for more access to your GI Bill benefits.

Does Being in the Military Help You Get Into College?

Some schools do have preferential admissions for veterans or active duty service members. Schools that don't have preferential admission policies might still view you more favorably with service. Some schools use 'holistic review' to look beyond grades and transcripts to evaluate incoming students. Military service is viewed favorably in this process.

How Many Years Do You Need To Serve in the Military To Get Free College?

Three years of service is the minimum for most military branches to qualify for total tuition coverage. Service entitles you to a graduated tuition coverage rate, connected to your length of service. Even if you haven't served for three years, you will still receive some tuition assistance.

Is the Military a Good Way To Pay for College?

Military education benefits are a good way to pay for college. Enlisting in the armed forces can result in your higher education being fully paid for while earning skills that will complement your degree when transitioning to civilian life. Military education benefits don't stop at tuition, though. Some benefit programs include housing stipends and can even include moving fees for eligible members.