Military Pay for College Graduates

I'm a high school junior considering going to college and thinking about joining the military after graduation. I'm curious though, what's the pay structure like for someone joining the military with a college degree? Does having a degree influence your starting pay or benefits in any way?

From my understanding, joining the military with a college degree does indeed affect your pay and rank. A common path for college graduates is to join as officers, rather than enlisting. Enlisted personnel, the majority of the members in the military, follow a different route which doesn't require a college degree.

Your degree qualifies you to join the military through Officer Candidate School (OCS) or Officer Training School (OTS), or to apply directly to specialized programs like those for lawyers or doctors who are already qualified in their field.

Officers receive a higher salary than enlisted members and also receive more benefits. For example, as of 2024, the starting monthly pay for an officer (Second Lieutenant or Ensign) is about $3,385 before taxes, which is noticeably higher than an enlisted member's payment, starting at approximately $2,017 per month.

In addition to base pay, military officers receive benefits like housing allowances, food allowance, health care for you and your family, and opportunities to further your education.

Keep in mind, each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marines, and Space Force) might have specific requirements and standards, so it's wise to investigate these elements further depending on the branch you aim to join.

One other thing - while the financial benefits are a factor to consider, make sure to also think about your personal interests, skills, and long-term career goals. Joining the military is a significant commitment, so it's essential that your decision aligns with your personal values and life goals.