Taking Advantage of Free College Through the Military?

I've heard that the military offers opportunities for a full ride in college. Can anyone provide some more details about this? What are the requirements to qualify? And are there any stipulations to consider, like a mandatory service term post-graduation or anything?

Yes, the military does offer opportunities for full tuition coverage as well as other benefits. One of the most popular programs is the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) offered by the Air Force, Army, and Navy (including Marine Corps option), which covers college tuition in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military after graduation.

The qualifications typically include being a United States citizen, maintaining a certain GPA (usually 2.5 or above), passing a physical fitness assessment, and being between the ages of 17 and 26 (can vary slightly depending on the branch).

Indeed, these benefits are given with the understanding that you will serve in the military for a certain period post-graduation. Depending on the branch and your role, this military service obligation can range from 3 to 10 years. It's crucial to understand that these ROTC scholarships do obligate you to military service, and you will have responsibilities and potential deployments during your service.

There are also other opportunities such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, which provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-connected disability. This benefit can cover up to 100% of tuition and housing costs, but it does imply that you have already served in the military and thus is often used by veterans or active-duty members aiming to further their education.

Please make sure to thoroughly research what these programs entail, and consider speaking with a military recruiter or a counselor who is knowledgeable about military scholarships to fully understand the commitments.