What College Costs Will the Military Pay For?

Many service members enlist with the plan to make the most of the educational benefits programs that military service provides. Military tuition assistance programs are one of the main programs that service members are eligible for, but that isn't the extent of the costs that can be covered.

Each service branch offers unique benefits programs. However, the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also provide financial aid programs to eligible service members, regardless of branch. These programs allow veterans and active-duty service members to pursue higher education with little or no college tuition cost.

These programs have unique requirements, generally focused on length of service, chosen degree program, and any military branch-specific financial aid. Some of these programs have automatic enrollment with enlistment, while others require an additional special application process. Military members and reservists also must meet the criteria of each program.

If a member of the armed forces meets the criteria of their financial aid program, they will be eligible to use the money to cover all college education costs, including:

• tuition
• fees
• supplies
• housing
• education costs for family members

What College Costs Will the Military Pay For?

Several federal programs, such as the Montgomery and Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits, allow active-duty service members and veterans to receive monthly educational assistance payments to help pay for their college degrees. These stipends are eligible for qualified costs associated with higher education programs for them and qualified dependents.

Tuition

The most obvious cost of higher education is tuition. Full-time college students often take out student loans, and service members are no different. Military benefits help service members pay tuition in two ways: tuition assistance and loan repayment plans.

Both GI Bills provide monthly stipends for service members who attend in-state, public colleges for both two-year and four-year programs. These programs include caps on spending per credit hour and totals per year. Some branches also offer loan repayment plans for qualified service members. Service requirements must be met for students who attended a college or vocational school before joining the military or they will not receive loan repayment.

Fees

There are many associated fees with college admissions and attendance. These fees include application fees, course fees, technology fees, and more. The total fee cost is much lower than tuition, but they can still add up. Service members can apply their stipends towards these fees if they don't exceed any spending maximum first.

Books and Supplies

Attending college requires textbooks and other supplies to complete assignments. According to some sources, students pay nearly $300 a course for books and other supplies. Using the GI Bill, service members can eliminate these costs.

Housing

GI Bill spending includes a housing allowance for service members and their families. Some military branches include a one-time relocation stipend if a service member needs to move to complete their education program. To use the housing allowance, service members must attend an approved university or college, and any housing allowance is based on the costs associated with your chosen school.

Certification and Licensing

College degree programs aren't the only form of higher education. Some service members pursue specializations within their military branch that can translate to a civilian career after service ends. If a certificate or license wasn't earned during service, they might pursue a program after leaving the service to make the most of the skills they developed in the armed forces.

Spouse and Family Education

If a service member already earned an education or elects not to pursue one, their educational assistance benefits won't disappear. Qualified dependents, including children or a spouse, can use the benefits associated with the various military tuition assistance programs. Some branches, like the Coast Guard, have programs specifically for the children of fallen service members that can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees.

How Can I Use the Military To Pay for College?

Several programs allow service members to attend college without paying. Each branch has its programs, but several programs can be applied to servicemembers belonging to any branch.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is an updated version of the GI Bill designed for servicemembers who enlisted on or after September 10th, 2001. To qualify for this bill, additional criteria must be met, including:

• 90 days of service after September 10, 2001
• received a Purple Heart or honorable discharger after September 11th, 2001
• served a minimum of 30 days after September 11th, 2001 and was honorably discharged with a service-connected disability
• you're a dependent child of a qualified veteran or service member

Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

The Montgomery GI Bill is divided into two sub-bills for active duty service members and selected reserve members. The MGIB divides applicants into 4 categories based on enlistment date, years of service, and other programs you qualify for. Once you have your category designation, you can calculate your benefits.

Tuition Assistance (TA)

Tuition assistance is offered by the four main branches of the military (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force). This program covers up to $250 per credit hour for semester-based college degree programs. TA benefits can be used for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

Military College Funds

In addition to standard GI Bill benefits, each branch offers additional funds for qualifying service members. These college funds can add up to $950 per month to GI Bill benefits. This funding can only be applied to the Montgomery GI Bill, though. If you elect for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you will only receive the benefits listed in that agreement.

Military Scholarship Programs

There are multiple scholarship programs offered within the armed forces to allow service members to pursue college degrees or complete vocational programs. One of the most common is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship. This program allows students to complete a bachelor's degree in exchange for military service after graduation. Individual branches offer The ROTC scholarship and have differing names, such as the NROTC for the Navy.

How Much Does the Military Pay for College?

Each program has varying amounts of coverage. The GI Bill programs usually cover up to $4500 per school year, but the MGIB can be modified with the individual branch funds and scholarships. This will cover the full education cost for some students, while other students might need additional federal student aid or private scholarships.

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

Some branches, like the Marine Corps, allow students to start earning college credits immediately after enlistment. Programs like the GI Bill usually require a minimum of 90 days for the Post-9/11 bill or multiple years for the MGIB.

Does the GI Bill Pay for 4 Years of College?

The GI Bill can pay for 4 years of college if you meet the criteria. The payments tied to the GI Bills are assigned for months of study. These months can be spread out throughout a four-year degree program.

What Does the GI Bill Not Cover?

GI Bill benefits must be used at public, in-state universities. Your tuition won't be covered if you plan to attend a private or out-of-state university, Additionally, expenses must be directly related to your education program. Costs associated with living outside of college education won't be included.