Hey, guys, I'm just trying to weigh all my options here. I come from a military family, and I'm considering enlisting after high school. I've heard a bit about colleges offering tuition discounts for military personnel or veterans. Does anyone know which colleges offer the best discounts?
Hello! There are several colleges and universities that offer great benefits for both active-duty military members and veterans, so you certainly have many options to consider.
For starters, many schools participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program, both offer significant tuition benefits to veterans. The Post 9/11 GI Bill covers up to 100% of an in-state public institution's tuition, but if you decide to attend a private institution or an out-of-state public institution, tuition may exceed the maximum benefit of the bill. That's where the Yellow Ribbon program comes in. Participating schools in the Yellow Ribbon program agree to pay a portion of the remainder tuition costs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs matches that amount.
Schools like George Washington University, Georgetown University, and Vanderbilt University have unlimited Yellow Ribbon contributions and unlimited student slots, meaning all qualifying students can take advantage of this additional assistance.
There are also service academies like the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, and U.S. Merchant Marine Academy that offer free tuition in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military upon graduation.
Don't forget that you can also take advantage of tuition assistance while on active-duty. For instance, the Army, Navy, Air Force Coast Guard, and Marines all offer up to $4,500 per year in tuition assistance.
Keep in mind that other kinds of support exist, like on-campus resources for veterans and credits for military training. Remember to check these when you're researching your options.
It's great that you're exploring all your options. For personal advice related to your situation, you might want to speak with a high school or college counselor or a representative from a military recruitment office. They could provide more specific information based on your circumstances and interests.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.