What are college benefits for reserves of the military?

I'm a part of the military reserves, and I've been thinking more seriously about college recently. Could anyone provide some insight into whether there are any special benefits I should be aware of as a college applicant being in the reserves? Thanks in advance!

Sure, there are indeed several benefits for military reservists attending college. These benefits aim to help make higher education achievable and affordable for those who serve in the reserves.

1. Tuition Assistance: Some branches of the reserves offer tuition assistance programs, which can significantly lower the cost of college education. For example, the Army Reserve offers 100% tuition assistance to those in service, for up to $250 per credit hour.

2. GI Bill Benefits: As a reservist, you may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program, which provides benefits for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses.

3. Yellow Ribbon Program: This program can be of use for individuals who qualify for the maximum benefit rate under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon Program may cover all resident tuition and fees for a public school and the lower of the actual tuition and fees or the national maximum per academic year for a private school. Many colleges participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and offer additional funds without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.

4. College credit for military training: Many colleges award credit for military training. The American Council on Education collaborates with the Department of Defense (DOD) to review military training and experiences and recommend appropriate college credit for members of the Military.

5. ROTC Scholarships: The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offers scholarships that can pay up to the full cost of tuition, in addition to providing a monthly living stipend.

Remember that each service branch may have its own tuition assistance programs and benefits. Additionally, benefits can vary dramatically from state to state, so you should also research potential benefits offered by your specific state's veteran services division. Lastly, benefits can sometimes also depend on factors such as the length of your service, your status (i.e., active, discharged, retired), and other particulars about your service background. Therefore, it's always a good idea to check with a military benefits officer or your specific reserves branch to understand exactly what you're eligible for.

Hope you find this information helpful, and good luck with your college decision-making process!