Free College Tuition through Military?

So, I've been hearing about this military offering free college tuition thing. Can anyone clarify how legit this is? What should one expect in terms of college tuition if they join the military?

Indeed, there are several programs offering financial aid for college tuition if you join the military. It's a real deal, but it's important to understand the specifics of these programs and the commitment they require.

First, there's the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This program covers up to 100% tuition and fees payment for public state colleges and universities for service members, and a maximum dollar amount per academic year for private or foreign colleges. The exact amount of benefits you receive is calculated based on the length of service and other factors. The benefits can also be transferred to your dependents.

Second, there's the Montgomery GI Bill, which requires a $1,200 buy-in while you're in service, and can then pay a stipend for education costs for up to 36 months. You can use these benefits either during or after service.

Third, there's the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships which can pay for part or all of your tuition in return for a service commitment after graduation.

Lastly, there's tuition assistance while you're in service, offered by each branch of the military, that pays a certain sum per credit hour directly to the school.

It's also worth noting that several colleges and universities participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which can help to pay additional tuition and fees costs that the GI Bill doesn't cover.

Just keep in mind that these benefits come with a commitment to serve in the military, which can be from a couple of years to many more depending on your role and the specific program details. You should also consult with a military recruiter or a financial aid counselor to best understand how these benefits apply to your specific situation.