Hey guys, I'm somewhat anxious about this whole college funding situation... Does the military actually not cover college expenses? I've heard they have some tuition assistance programs so I'm a bit confused.
Absolutely, I can speak to some of the resources the military offers for educational funding. When it comes to covering college costs, entering the military after high school can potentially offer significant financial assistance.
One of the most widely recognized programs is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you serve for at least 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001, you can be eligible for this program. It can cover full in-state tuition at public universities, and up to $28,937.09 per year for private or foreign schools for the 2024-2025 academic year.
This bill also offers an annual books and supplies stipend of up to $1,000, and a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents (the rank of “Sergeant” in the Army), at the location of the school. This GI Bill benefits even extends to private universities and graduate programs, and leftover benefits can be transferred to spouses or dependent children.
In addition to the GI Bill, each branch of the military has a Tuition Assistance program, which provides up to $4,500 per fiscal year for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of service members' personal and professional goals. The course of study must be offered by a school that is accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, and the assistance is generally provided for tuition and certain fees, such as lab fees. It should be noted that it doesn't extend to expenses like books and materials.
It's also beneficial to note that students using GI Bill benefits are still eligible to apply for federal student aid (like Pell Grants), and these can be added on top of GI Bill benefits. One common avenue for service members is to use Tuition Assistance while serving and active, and then use the GI Bill for education after service.
Always remember to carefully research these options and it can be beneficial to reach out to a recruiter or a financial aid office to make sure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information. It's also important to note that educational benefits vary depending on the length of your service, your job in the military, and whether you serve in the reserves or on active duty.
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