Does the military cover college tuition?

I'm trying to explore all my options for funding college. I've heard the military pays for college tuition - is that accurate? How would I go about this?

Yes, the military can indeed help cover the costs of college tuition. There are several ways this can happen depending on the path you take in the military. The method and amount can vary based on the branch of the military and the educational benefits for which you're eligible.

One common program is the G.I. Bill, specifically the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. For those serving at least 36 months, this can often cover the full cost of in-state tuition at public universities, a monthly housing stipend, and a stipend for books and supplies.

Another option is the ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) scholarship program available for Army, Navy, and Air Force. These are competitive scholarships, and they may cover the full cost of tuition, fees, and books in exchange for a commitment to serve in the military upon graduation. Service commitments usually range from 4 to 8 years, dependent on the branch and scholarship specifics.

Lastly, each of the branches of the military has its own tuition assistance program. For example, the Army's Tuition Assistance program can pay up to 100% of tuition expenses for soldiers up to certain yearly limits.

All these options require different levels of service commitment and come with their own sets of eligibility requirements. Be sure to thoroughly research each potential path and perhaps consult with a military recruiter to understand what the best option might be for your specific circumstances. If you're currently in high school, you might want to discuss this with your school counselor who can provide more advice specific to your situation.