Hey guys, I'm a junior and I've been thinking a lot about college costs lately. I've heard that joining the military could be a way to get my future student loans covered. Can anyone shed some light on which branch might be best for this, or how the process even works?
In the United States, there are a few different programs that military service members can take advantage of to help with tuition expenses, most notably being the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
The Montgomery GI Bill offers up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans and service members for things like college, technical or vocational courses, correspondence courses, apprenticeship/job training, and flight training, among others. The benefits are generally payable for 10 years following your release from active duty.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits and, generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following your release from active duty. This bill could potentially cover your full tuition and fees at a public in-state school or up to $25,162.14 per academic year for private or foreign school (as of 2021). You also get a monthly housing allowance and money for books and supplies.
How much you receive from these bills will depend on your length of service. For maximum benefits, you generally need to serve for at least 36 months.
In terms of choosing which branch to join, that's a very personal decision and there isn't a "one-size-fits-all" answer. Factors to consider could be the branch's specific missions, the type of military service you're interested in (e.g., land, air, sea, space), and the culture of each branch. A meeting with a recruiter from each branch could provide you with a wealth of information and help you make an informed decision.
For commissioned officers, the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) offers scholarships that can cover the cost of tuition, fees, and textbooks for four years, plus a monthly allowance for living expenses.
There's also the military service academies (e.g., West Point, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy). If you get in, your education is completely covered in return for a service commitment after graduation.
Lastly, remember that enlisting in the military is a serious commitment and should not be taken lightly. It's not just a financial decision, but also a personal and lifestyle one. Consider all the pros and cons before making a decision.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.