Getting the Military to Finance my College Education

Education's expensive, and I'm evaluating all my options. I've heard about getting college education funded through military service. How exactly can I get a free college education from my military service?

Absolutely, serving in the military can be a valuable way to finance your college education. There are several programs the military offers to help with tuition costs:

1. The Post-9/11 GI Bill: This provides educational benefits to service members who have served at least 90 days of active duty after September 10, 2001, or were honorably discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Benefits can be transferred to dependents. This can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees at public schools, a national maximum cap for private or foreign schools, and includes a housing allowance and book stipend. This program allows for a maximum of 36 months of educational benefits, typically benefits are usable for 15 years following release from active duty.

2. Montgomery GI Bill: This is a viable option for anyone joining the military. It offers two programs, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR). The MGIB-AD program offers up to 36 months of educational benefits, while the MGIB-SR education program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve.

3. Tuition Assistance: Each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) has a tuition assistance program. While the assistance may vary between branches, the general stipulation states that active-duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members are eligible for up to $4,500 in tuition assistance per fiscal year.

4. ROTC Scholarships: Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs at various universities also offer scholarships that can cover the cost of your education. In return, you'll have an obligation to serve as an officer in the military for a period afterward.

These are just a few ways military service can help finance your college education. Each program has its own set of requirements and benefits, so it would be best to research and understand these options in detail or speak with a military recruiter to see which program is the best fit for you.

Now, remember, each path comes with a commitment to service, so make sure to consider not only the financial benefits but also your interest and readiness in serving in the military. Military service is a significant commitment and should not be undertaken lightly.