To Work or Join the Military for College?

Hi there. I'm a junior grappling with the idea of how to pay for college. I keep thinking about working, but then there's the military. Has anyone else experienced this? What are your thoughts?

There are a couple of things to consider when deciding between working or joining the military to pay for college. Both paths have their own benefits and challenges.

Let's start with working. One of the main advantages is the flexibility - you could work part-time while studying at college or work full-time for a few years to save up money for college. You'll gain work experience and learn valuable skills, which can be beneficial both during and after college. Additionally, some employers offer tuition reimbursement programs. The potential drawbacks include the difficulty of balancing work, college, and personal life, as well as the time it might take to save enough money for college.

Meanwhile, joining the military can provide significant educational benefits. For example, under the GI Bill, eligible service members and veterans could receive financial support for tuition, housing, books, and supplies. Serving in the military can also provide leadership experience and unique skills. However, the commitment is serious and lengthy - usually, at least four years of active duty service. The military lifestyle is demanding and may not be suitable for everyone.

In the end, it's a personal decision based on your circumstances, interests, and long-term goals. It's important to fully research each path, and if possible, talk to people who have taken each route - a working student, a veteran, or a military recruiter - to understand better what each might entail.