What happens if Military doesn't cover all college expenses?

Hey guys, I'm a junior and one of my plans after high school is the military with hopes of it helping to pay for college down the line. However, I've heard there are instances where the military might not foot the entire bill. Does anybody know what options might be available if this happens?

In the event that military benefits don't cover all of your college expenses, there are a few options you could explore.

First, you might consider applying for financial aid. This usually involves filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and federal loans. In particular, the Pell Grant is a federal grant for students with financial need that does not need to be paid back.

Additionally, you can search for scholarships outside of the military and federal financial aid. Some scholarships are aimed specifically at military personnel, veterans, or their family members. There are several databases online where you can look for such scholarships, such as CollegeBoard and Fastweb.

If you're considering using your military benefits for a community college and then transferring to a four-year institution, be aware that many four-year colleges may offer transfer scholarships. Many of these scholarships are awarded based on merit, so maintaining a strong academic record could be beneficial.

Lastly, federal work-study programs could be worth looking into. These programs allow students to work part-time while attending school, with the federal government providing a portion of their wages.

Remember, it's important to plan and explore all options before committing to any specific path. Make sure to reach out to a school's financial aid office or a local military recruiter for the most accurate and relevant advice.