Is it a thing that the military offers free college in Texas? Any insight into how this works? And what you need to do to qualify? Asking for a friend. Thanks!
Yes, the military does offer education benefits that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the cost of college, and these benefits are available in Texas as they are in the rest of the country. The specific programs available depend on what branch of the military your friend is considering, but some common programs include the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP).
The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for example, covers up to the full cost of in-state tuition and fees at public colleges for up to 36 months (or four academic years) for those who have served at least 30 continuous days on active duty. There's also a housing allowance and book stipend. For private colleges, or for public colleges where you're an out-of-state student, there's the Yellow Ribbon Program that can help cover those costs.
Most of these benefits also apply to members of the Reserve and National Guard, though the specifics can vary. For example, the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve program provides education benefits to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the National Guard.
To qualify for these benefits, your friend would generally need to serve in the military for a certain period, though the specific requirements can vary depending on the program. There could be additional requirements as well such as receiving an honorable discharge.
It's worth noting that these benefits aren't limited to traditional four-year colleges. They can often be used for other forms of education, such as vocational and technical schools.
Your friend should get in contact with a military recruiter, who can provide more detailed information about educational benefits and eligibility requirements. Also, once your friend is in the military, they should speak with an education counselor who can help ensure they're making full use of the resources available to them.
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