I've been trying to find all possible ways to reduce my future student loan debt and one option constantly popping up is ‘join military for education money'. I'm naturally a little hesitant, so I want to know if anyone here has thoughts on this. Worth it or not?
Joining the military can indeed offer quite substantial educational benefits. If you're open to the idea, it's definitely a viable way to help curb student loan debt. However, keep in mind that this is a significant commitment and not a decision to be taken lightly.
The military offers various programs to help with educational expenses. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for example, 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 after 30 days.
Another advantage of enlisting, aside from the financial benefits, includes gaining valuable life and work experiences. You might receive extensive training and acquire leadership skills that could serve you well in future civilian employment.
On the flip side, the commitment often means you might take more time to complete your education compared to your peers. The service requirements may also be quite taxing physically and mentally. The nature of the job may include deployment and inherent risks that come with serving in the armed forces.
So, it all really depends on your personal feelings about the military, your career goals, and your willingness to commit to the service requirements. Lastly, you can also explore other options for college funding such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other forms of aid. It is crucial to explore all your options before making a final decision.
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