US Military and Online College Opportunities?

Hey, guys! I'm seriously considering joining the military after high school, but I also want to pursue higher education. I heard there's something about the US military offering online college programs. Could anyone tell me more about this? How can I apply or qualify for this? Do I have to enlist before I can apply, and what kind of courses are usually offered? If anyone has firsthand experience, I'd appreciate your input.

You definitely have the ability to pursue both serving in the military and furthering your education. The U.S. military offers several educational programs for service members, including online courses through its various branches.

The programs you may want to research are the Tuition Assistance program and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Each branch of the military offers Tuition Assistance, which can pay up to 100% tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical, and can be taken from two- or four-year institutions, on-campus or online.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is another attractive option. It provides 36 months of education benefits, which can be used for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational/technical training, and more. Keep in mind, however, that your benefits under this Bill are gauged according to the number of days you're on active duty.

In terms of the application process, you generally need to be enlisted to start benefitting from these programs. Exceptions apply for ROTC students or those attending a military academy. In these cases, education is funded upfront as part of their service contract.

As for the courses offered, it really depends on the university. Military-friendly schools, or those partnered with the military under the DANTES program (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support), offer a wide variety of courses—everything from business to healthcare administration to information technology. Many are designed with the needs of military personnel in mind, offering flexible scheduling and the ability to complete coursework from anywhere.

Just keep in mind that while military funding can significantly reduce the cost of your education, it might not cover everything. Additional scholarships, grants, or personal funding may be necessary to fully fund your education.

I hope this gives you a clearer perspective! Best of luck with your future endeavors as you navigate the balance between military service and academic pursuits.