What's the process of getting the military to pay for college?

I've definitely heard that the military can help pay for college, but I'm a little fuzzy on the details. Like, do I have to commit to a certain number of years of service? How much of college can be covered by military service?

Indeed, the military offers several programs to help pay for college and career training. These programs often depend on your specific branch of service, whether Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Space Force.

1. Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): This is a significant educational benefit for service members. To qualify, you'll generally need to contribute $1,200 towards the GI Bill during your first year of service, and serve for a minimum period, which varies depending on your capacity in the military.

2. Post-9/11 GI Bill: This program covers tuition and fees, up to the most expensive public in-state undergraduate institution and provides a yearly books & supplies stipend. Applicants are required to have served at least 90 days of aggregate service after Sep 10, 2001, or be discharged with a service-related disability after 30 days.

3. Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP): REAP was established to provide educational assistance to members of the reserve components called or ordered to active duty. However, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2016 ended REAP, and new applicants are no longer being accepted.

4. Tuition Assistance Programs: Most service branches offer tuition assistance to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve servicemembers. This assistance can cover up to $250 per credit hour, subject to caps each fiscal year.

5. ROTC Scholarships: Each branch of the military offers Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships that could cover the cost of your tuition if you agree to serve in that branch after college.

6. MyCAA Military Spouse Scholarship: If you're married to a service member, you could qualify for the MyCAA scholarship, which offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses.

Note that the amount covered and service commitment varies by program and branch of service. Before making any plans or commitments, it's best to reach out to your intended branch's recruiting office to get the most accurate, up-to-date information related to your situation.