Free college through the military- how does it work?

Hey guys, I'm a high school junior and looking at the cost of college is... scary. I heard that the military might be a way to cover those costs. But how does that work exactly? How do you join? What kinds of commitments are required? Do they cover all kinds of majors or just certain ones? Really lost here, so any advice would be appreciated.

One way that the military helps with college costs is through the GI Bill, the Montgomery Bill, and branch-specific programs, such as the Army's FLEP program. These programs cover tuition, fees, and often provide a housing stipend. They can be used for a variety of education paths, such as undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational training, and certification programs.

To qualify for these benefits, you need to enlist in the military. The process involves speaking with a recruiter, taking the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to determine your job qualification, passing a medical examination, and going through the enlistment process.

The commitment required can vary. For example, active duty service members often commit to four years of service, but the commitment can be longer depending on the specific job training received. Reserve and National Guard service members often commit to six years.

In terms of what you can study, it's generally quite flexible. While there are certain programs that cater more towards fields that are related to military or governmental work, many service members and veterans use their benefits for a wide range of academic disciplines. Therefore, if you're interested in studying English literature or biology, for example, you should be able to use your military benefits for these fields.

One important aspect to consider is the timing. If you join the military right out of high school, you'll likely start your college education a few years later than your peers. However, some service members study part-time while they serve, or even attend service academies like West Point or the Naval Academy, where they combine their military service with getting a degree.

It's also worth mentioning that military training can be highly demanding, both physically and mentally. Each branch has its own basic training program, ranging from 7 to 13 weeks, which every recruit must go through. Subsequent job training depends on the specific job you're assigned.

Lastly, you should absolutely discuss this path with a recruiter, and potentially seek additional guidance from school counselors or others knowledgeable about military service. It's a big commitment, but it can be a pathway to obtaining a college degree without student loans.