Military Benefits: Paying For College

Hey guys, I've been considering joining the military after high school and I'm a little confused about the education benefits. Does anyone know how many years of college the military would pay for? I'm hoping to get my bachelor's degree covered if possible. Thanks for your help!

The military does indeed offer numerous education benefits, with the primary one being the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. This program can cover up to 100% of your tuition and fees at a public college or university for in-state students for 36 months (or 4 academic years). So, while it's not specifically calculated by the number of years of school, it generally covers a typical bachelor's degree timeframe.

It's important to know, however, that the percentage of benefits you're eligible for depends on your length of service. For instance, to receive full benefits, you'd need to serve at least three years of active duty. Serving less time would still provide you with benefits, but not to the full 100%.

In addition to covering tuition and fees, the Post-9/11 GI Bill® can provide an allowance for books and supplies, as well as a monthly housing allowance. The housing allowance is based on the zip code of your school and can be a substantial additional help.

Remember, these are only the benefits at the federal level. Depending on the state you live in, there might be additional benefits for service members and veterans.

Take note, though, that starting your military service right after high school will mean a delay in starting or completing your degree. Many people find that participating in ROTC during college or joining the military as an officer after graduating college can also be a beneficial strategy. In these cases, different types of financial help, like ROTC scholarships or student loan repayment, might come into play. It would be best to discuss your options with a military recruiter or a counselor to identify the path that would be most beneficial for you.