Should I Join the Military To Pay for College?
Joining the military is a way to pay for college, but this path isn't right for everyone Students can use GI Bill benefits, tuition assistance, and other programs.
High school graduates considering higher education face the daunting challenge of paying for their college degrees. Many of these graduates enlist in different U.S. Military Branches to receive assistance with their college tuition. Each branch has military tuition assistance programs to make college education easier for active duty service members, veterans, and their family members.
Several programs help military members with tuition in multiple ways, including:
- full tuition reimbursement
- loan repayment programs
- monthly stipends
How To Determine Whether You Should Join the Military for Education Benefits
Enlisting in the military isn't a decision that should be taken lightly. Multiple financial aid programs are available to active duty service members and veterans, but you shouldn't enlist simply for these benefits. You can use these financial assistance plans to pay for your degree program if you want to join the military.
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1. Understand the Education Benefits Offered
Military education benefits are offered in a joint effort from individual branches, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). However, no universal guidelines are required of the branches. Start by reviewing the benefit packages offered by each branch and how they relate to your individual educational goals. Additionally, each branch provides differing add-ons, called 'kickers' to GI Bill benefits. College students who served in different branches will receive different packages based on their years of service.
2. Evaluate Your Educational and Career Goals
Considering your educational and career goals is essential. Most benefits associated with military service are tied to years of service. This takes time and can ultimately delay starting your desired degree program and your long-term career unless you intend to get a degree that can be used within the military. Filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms can help determine what aid you would receive without service. If you would be forced to take out large student loans, enlisting could be a good way to get additional financial assistance without taking on long-term debt.
3. Consider the Long-Term Commitment
Military service is a multi-year, full-time commitment. If you plan to enlist, consider how this will affect your life and education. Service in any U.S. military branch involves basic training and other programs that will take you away from your daily life. These programs can sometimes be accepted as college credits as either transfer credits or life experience.
4. Assess the Benefits vs. Costs
There are benefits and costs to enlisting in the military to pay for college that go beyond just money. Military programs like basic training and certain specialization training can be used as transfer credits, reducing total college costs. Even without the financial aid component, military service provides on-the-job training. This training can be leveraged into a bachelor's degree or certification for a post-service career. Military service also can provide benefits like healthcare insurance and more for service members and their families.
5. Talk to Current and Former Service Members
Speaking with a recruiter is a good way to understand the different armed forces. However, speaking with active duty service members or veterans will give you the best understanding of what service is like for:
- marines
- sailors
- soldiers
- airmen
If possible, find a veteran enrolled in a degree program like the one you hope to pursue. This can give you a better glimpse into what your possible path might look like.
6. Research Alternative Education Funding
Military service isn't the only way to receive funding for college degree programs. Research your options, including private grants, scholarships, and savings plans, like a 529 plan. Additionally, you can look into work-study plans and fellowships that could exchange your hands-on work for payments that can be applied to higher education costs.
7. Consider Your Personal and Family Situation
Lastly, your time in the military and your college education won't only affect you. If you have a significant other, children, or dependent parents, you need to strongly consider how enlistment will affect them at a larger level. Military service can result in housing allowances and moving credits after completing service, but there could be stresses caused by physical distance and time constraints of service.
Does the Military Pay for College?
The military will sometimes pay for full tuition at four-year public universities. Some branches have assistance programs for private colleges, but these programs usually are more limited. The amount of tuition assistance will change based on your chosen branch and length of service, which financial assistance program you're pursuing, and your college degree program.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is designed to help service members who enlisted on or after September 10th, 2001. This program includes additional benefits for veterans, including a housing allowance while they attend school. Benefits are awarded based on the length of service, with a minimum of 90 days required. Service members can elect to pursue the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery benefits, but not both.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) is an older version of the military education benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill. These benefits can be worth over $84,000 over 36 months. These 36 months are academic, as opposed to 36 consecutive calendar months. This program provides active duty and veterans similar benefits for educational expenses.
Tuition Assistance
The 'Top-Up' tuition assistance program allows active duty or veteran students to use their GI bill benefits to supplement their other tuition assistance. In many cases, this will cover the full cost of tuition for degree programs or qualified certification programs, like vocational schools.
Military College Funds
The Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps all have individual college funds used to increase monthly GI Bill payments. Although each branch offers these programs, the total amounts can vary. These 'kickers' can sometimes be an additional $950 per month.
Military Scholarships
The military also has scholarship programs that exchange higher education for service. The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) provides scholarships that pay for college with the promise of service being completed after graduation. ROTC scholarships benefit people looking to secure their education and then use their degree within the military. For example, an engineer could earn their degree, gain hands-on experience during service, and then apply for civilian engineering jobs with a paid-off degree and experience.
Is Going to College While in the Military Worth It?
Most service members should attend college before or after their military service. Many tuition benefits are designed to benefit veterans or, in the case of ROTC programs, students who haven't begun their service. The military branches have educational programs that can be transferred to college credit. However, this is different than attending a degree program while enlisted.
Is It Better To Join the Military Before College?
Most of the military's educational benefit programs are designed to promote veterans pursuing civilian careers. If you plan to include military service in your education plans, you'll receive more benefits if you enlist before you enroll.
