I'm a high school junior considering a military career post-graduation, followed by college. Are there colleges that provide free education for military personnel? Appreciate any help!
Absolutely, there are quite a few colleges that offer free or reduced tuition for military personnel. One unique option for current service members is the "Tuition Assistance" program. Many branches of the military offer this benefit, which can cover up to $4,500 a year in tuition. It's meant for soldiers who want to take classes while still on active duty.
In addition, the "Post 9/11 GI Bill" is a fantastic resource for military personnel. This can cover up to 100% of tuition costs at public colleges for those who have served at least 36 months. Moreover, it can also be used for private schools, but the amount is capped at a national maximum rate.
Furthermore, under the "Yellow Ribbon Program," participating private schools agree to waive a portion of their tuition that exceeds the national maximum rate, and the Department of Veterans Affairs matches whatever amount the school waives. This can significantly decrease the cost of private schools.
There's also the Service members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) network. Schools in this network agree to certain guidelines that benefit military students, like providing specialized academic advising and giving credit for military training and experience.
Lastly, some states, like Texas and Illinois, have their own scholarship programs for veterans that can cover tuition at state schools.
So yes, serving in the military actually opens up a number of opportunities when it comes to paying for college. It's definitely prudent to research each program further, to see which might best serve your academic and career aspirations.
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