Does Military Cover Full College Tuition?

I've been thinking about my future lately. With college tuition sky high, joining the military seems to make more and more sense. I've heard they might cover college fees, but do they pay for the full ride including room and board? Looking for some clarity, Many thanks!

The military does offer generous education benefits which can help cover a significant portion of your college costs, and in many cases, this can indeed include room and board. While the specifics can vary, I'll focus on the two most common benefits: the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Tuition Assistance program.

1. The Post-9/11 GI Bill: This program is designed for those with at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service after Sept. 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-related disability after 30 days. This bill covers up to 100% of tuition and fee costs at many public universities and offers a yearly stipend for books and supplies. It also provides a monthly housing allowance based on military pay grade, which can be put towards room and board expenses.

2. Tuition Assistance: This is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, and application procedures. The tuition assistance program can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees, not exceeding $250 per semester credit hour or $4,500 per fiscal year. Room and board are typically not covered under this program.

It's also worth noting that many institutions participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help cover the difference for those attending a private institution, or an out-of-state school, where costs exceed the maximum state tuition cap of the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

However, while these benefits are substantial, they may not cover all college-related costs. There can still be expenses that you'll need to cover out-of-pocket. So, while the military can provide significant aid, I'd advise you to conduct thorough research and potentially speak to a military recruiter or your school counselor to understand the full spectrum of educational benefits and any attached commitments.