Does the Military Help Cover College Tuition?

Hi all! As I plan for my future, I've been exploring how the military could help with college tuition. Do they help pay for it? If so, how does this process work?

Absolutely, joining the military is a pathway many students use to help finance their education due to a variety of educational benefits provided. The specifics can vary by branch of service (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force) as well as whether you're serving on active duty, in the reserves, or as a member of the National Guard.

One of the most widely known programs for military-related tuition assistance is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you've served on active duty for at least 90 days, whether continuous or interrupted, you can qualify for this bill. You would receive up to 36 months of education benefits which can cover tuition and fees, housing, and even a stipend for textbooks and supplies. The exact amount you receive depends on the time you've spent on active duty and whether your school participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can provide extra funds. You can apply these benefits to a traditional college degree, trade school, and even some on-the-job training programs.

Another option is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships. These scholarships pay for almost all tuition and fees and provide a small stipend for personal expenses. In return, students commit to serving in the military after graduation. Each service branch has its ROTC program and the commitments can span from 8 to 12 years depending upon whether you serve active duty or in the reserves.

Lastly, the military provides Tuition Assistance (TA) programs. These programs are typically available to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members. While the services may pay up to 100% of the tuition expenses of the service member, this benefit often has an annual cap, so it may not cover all costs of a higher education degree.

These are just a few of the many programs available to military service members interested in pursuing higher education. It's important to do your research and directly reach out to a military recruiter or your intended school's financial aid office, who can give you the most accurate and detailed information.