College degree holders in military?

Hi, struggling to make my next step decision here (as everyone here does, lol). But is having a college degree common among enlisted military personnel? What percentage of them actually have degrees before enlisting or during their service? Any insight would be super helpful!

Hello! That's an interesting question. While specific percentages might be hard to find, it's definitely worth noting that possessing a college degree is not uncommon in the U.S. military. Many enlisted personnel possess some form of higher education, either before enlisting or obtained during their time in service.

For example, the military's tuition assistance programs often enable active-duty personnel to pursue degree programs during their periods of service. These programs might allow them to acquire an Associates, Bachelors, or even advanced degrees while serving, often in fields relevant to their military occupations.

Service academy graduates also represent a particular segment of degree-holding military personnel. These academies—including West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, and others—grant baccalaureate degrees to their graduates before they enter active duty service.

But keep in mind that a college degree is not a requirement to enlist. In fact, many individuals join the military right out of high school and, in the process, they can gain valuable experience and perhaps go on to higher education later on. So, while completing a degree is not unheard of, it's not necessarily the norm on the enlisted side.The picture may be different for officers, as a degree is typically required for commissioning. Hope this information helps!