Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Military Financial Aid for College - What's it like?

I'm strongly considering joining the military after graduation, but my ultimate goal is college. I've heard the military provides financial aid for college. Has anyone here taken this route? Could you share your experiences or any advice you might have?

9 months ago

Financial aid through the military is quite extensive and can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of college tuition. There are several ways the military can assist with college expenses.

One of the most commonly used benefits is the Montgomery GI Bill. Depending on the length and nature of your service, this bill can provide up to 36 months of education benefits that can be used for degree and certificate programs as well as apprenticeships or on-the-job training. Note that to qualify for these benefits, there's usually a requirement for a minimum length of service.

Another program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers a significant portion of your tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance while you're studying, and gives a stipend for textbooks and supplies. The amount you receive is dependent on the length of your service after September 10, 2001.

Then there's the Tuition Assistance program. Each branch has its program, but they generally cover up to 100% of tuition expenses for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve servicemembers. It's important to remember that this money is often paid directly to the institution, and there may be caps on the amount of aid you can receive per year or semester.

As for personal experiences, many individuals find these programs highly beneficial. It's not uncommon to pursue a degree while on active duty or shortly after completing service. However, the process can be quite bureaucratic, requiring ample time and patience to navigate.

My advice for navigating military aid for college is to start researching and asking questions early. Reach out to your command's education or personnel office, or contact a military recruiter. Make sure you understand the commitments tied to these benefits as well, as they often require a minimum period of active-duty service.

I hope this information helps you on your journey. Remember, choosing to join the military is a significant decision—one that goes beyond just financial aid for college—so take your time in making your choice.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

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.