Hey guys! I'm planning to join the military but I also want to get my degree. Is it feasible to be in college while serving in the military? What are the pros and cons?
Absolutely, many individuals manage to balance military service with pursuing a degree. It's definitely a path worth considering, though there are certainly pros and cons you should be aware of.
On the plus side, the military offers several tuition assistance programs like the GI Bill and the Tuition Assistance Program which pay for a significant portion (if not all) of your tuition fees – a huge financial advantage. You'd be able to earn a degree without going into debt, as many students do. Additionally, gaining life and professional experiences while studying can make your application stand out for graduate school or future job applications.There's also the fact that being in the military while studying challenges and develops your time management skills and resilience – attributes that will serve you well in all areas of life.
Now on to the cons. Balancing military service and college can be demanding. You would need to manage your time effectively to fulfill both your military commitments and your academic workload. Depending on your role in the military, you may also face periods of deployment which could interrupt your studies.
Furthermore, your choice of degree might be influenced by your military duties. Some degree programs may have intensive in-person requirements which might be difficult to meet if you are stationed far from your school. In such cases, online courses or universities with flexible programs for military personnel might be a better fit.
Balancing both responsibilities may also mean you have less time for college experiences like clubs or internships. This is not necessarily a disadvantage – military service is already a prestigious extracurricular – but it's worth considering if there are specific college experiences you're keen on.
As a final point, remember to consider your long-term career goals. If the field you want to enter values more practical experience or if getting a degree while in the military aligns with your career ambitions, then it could be a great option. But if you're looking to enter a highly specialized field where an early start in specific internships is crucial, then juggling military service and college might be challenging.
It's definitely a personal decision based on your circumstances and goals. But rest assured, many have successfully balanced military service with gaining a degree – it's entirely possible, if you're willing to rise to the challenge.
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