Cost associated with Military Colleges?

Hey everyone! I'm considering going the military college pathway after high school and I'm trying to budget everything out. I've heard that some of them can be pretty pricey. Can anyone share their experience on how much they had to dish out for military college? Are there scholarships offered by them? Any info would be more than welcome!

Sure, I'd be happy to help you understand the costs associated with military colleges. It's a good idea to be well-informed about the financial aspects of your education.

To start with, the good news is that many military colleges offer significant financial support to their students. For example, the five federal service academies (US Military Academy, the Naval Academy, the Coast Guard Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and The Air Force Academy) offer free tuition, room, and board to all cadets or midshipmen in return for a service commitment after graduation.

For those not attending a service academy, there are ROTC scholarships available that can cover either full tuition and fees, or provide a fixed amount for tuition. For example, the Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTCs all offer scholarships awarded based on merit, not financial need, covering full tuition and fees (at any college) as well as including an annual book allowance, and a monthly stipend which increases each year you're enrolled in the program.

Financial assistance can also be obtained from the Yellow Ribbon Program for veterans and their families, which supplements the benefits you receive from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, covering additional tuition and fees.

It should be noted that while these academies and scholarships can substantially cover your costs, you may still incur some additional expenses such as uniforms, textbooks, or personal expenses, which could amount to a few thousand dollars a year.

It's always helpful to get a detailed breakdown of these expenses from the respective college's financial aid office. They often have precise figures and could connect you to resources to further subsidize these costs. Remember, everyone's situation is unique, so it's essential to consider all possible factors.