Enrolling in College While Serving - Has Anyone Done This?

Hey there, I'm currently in high school and considering enlisting in the military. However, I also want to attend college while I'm serving. I'm a bit confused on how this works and was wondering if anyone has any experience with this?

It's absolutely possible to pursue a degree while serving in the military, depending on the branch you enlist in and your specific service obligations. In fact, the military offers several programs to support educational goals.

One is the Tuition Assistance Program, which covers tuition costs for courses taken during off-duty hours. Each branch has its own specific rules regarding how much funding they provide and how often, so you'd need to look into the specific rules for the branch you're considering.

Another option is the G.I. Bill, which provides financial aid to service members (and sometimes their families) for tuition, housing, books, and supplies. There are several versions of the G.I. Bill, each with their own provisions, so it would be beneficial to research this in-depth.

The key is to handle your time management effectively. Balancing military duties and academics can be challenging, but it's done successfully by many service members. You might end up taking courses part-time, or online, to accommodate your responsibilities.

It's also crucial to communicate with your command about your educational goals. They can provide advice on balancing work and study, and potentially flexibility with your schedule.

Keep in mind that your educational pursuits may be interrupted by deployments or other military duties. It's important to be flexible and patient with your timeline and progress towards your degree.

In summary, while challenging, it's certainly feasible to serve in the military while attaining a college degree. Consult with your school counselor and reach out to military recruiters to gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision.