Military to College?

I'm considering going into the military after high school, but I definitely want to go to college at some point. If I choose to serve first, can I go to college afterwards? How does that process work?

Absolutely—many individuals choose to pursue higher education following or during their military service, and there are numerous options available to support this. The process typically follows these general steps:

1. Deciding on the Timing: Consider whether you want to attend college while serving (through tuition assistance programs) or after your service (through veteran benefits). Some prefer to study while serving to smoothly transition into civilian life, while others enjoy focussing on their studies later.

2. Using Military Benefits: The U.S. military offers a host of educational benefits to assist service members in pursuing their college education. For instance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can pay for tuition fees, housing, and books at public universities for those who have served at least 90 days. Some individuals may also be eligible for full tuition through the Yellow Ribbon Program, depending on the school.

3. Application Process: As a prospective student, you'll still need to go through the standard college application process: completing the application, submitting your high school and/or military transcripts, writing application essays, etc. Some colleges may have additional requirements for veterans, such as interviews or supplementary essays.

4. Utilize Campus Resources: Once enrolled, take advantage of veteran-specific resources. Many colleges have offices tasked with helping veterans transition smoothly, and can assist you in understanding and using your benefits, provide career counseling, and more.

5. Continue Service: If you're still interested in serving while in college, consider ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) programs, or becoming part of the National Guard or Reserves. This can be a great way to maintain involvement while earning a degree.

The university's veterans resource office could be a good place to start researching these options. They should have experts who can help navigate the complexities of tuition benefits and applications, and may be able to connect you with current students who have served. Just remember, this effort takes time and planning, and it's better to start early.