Getting Military Benefits for College

Hello everyone, I was curious about how military benefits for college work? How do I apply and what are the eligibility criteria?

There are several educational benefits and scholarship programs provided by the U.S. military that service members, veterans, and often their families can utilize. Here's a brief rundown:

Post 9/11 GI Bill: This is probably the most well-known. It covers a significant part of the tuition fees and also provides a basic housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies for up to 36 months. The financial support can also be transferred to the soldier's spouse or children. Eligibility typically requires at least 90 days of active duty service post-Sept. 10, 2001, or discharge with a service-related disability after 30 days.

Montgomery GI Bill: There are two versions of this - one each for active duty (Chapter 30) and the Army Reserves (Chapter 1606). These provide a fixed monthly financial benefit for post-high school education that has to be applied for while the serviceman/woman is enlisted.

Tuition Assistance: Each branch of the military has its own tuition assistance program. These typically provide up to $4,500 per year for course enrollment fees.

Scholarships: Various branches of the military offer special scholarships, these typically require a service commitment. For instance, the Army's ROTC scholarships cover tuition fees, provide a living allowance and an allowance for books.

There are specific qualification criteria for each of these programs, and they often require a certain period of service. If you're currently enlisted, it would be good to talk with your unit's education officer or counselor. For veterans, contacting the VA (Veterans Affairs) would be the first step.

Moreover, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is always recommended, because this can lead to extra federal, state and institution-specific aid.

Please note that the use of these benefits often requires a committed service time, meaning you should evaluate your readiness to dedicate part of your life to military service against the educational benefits you'll receive. Given the importance of such a decision, consulting with a career advisor or college counselor could be really beneficial.