I've heard a lot about the connection between military service and higher education. Does anyone have any stats on the percentage of military personnel that have completed a degree program? Additionally, does this number differ between enlisted personnel and officers?
According to the U.S. Department of Defense's own statistics, as of recent years, it's estimated that about 84% of officers in the military hold at least a bachelor’s degree compared to about 6% of enlisted personnel.
The higher percentage of officers with degrees is due to the fact that a bachelor's degree is typically a requirement to become an officer in the military. There are many pathways to earn this degree, whether before joining through a program like ROTC, during service at a military academy, or partaking in tuition assistance programs offered by the military to active duty service members.
On the other hand, enlisted personnel do not require a degree for their roles. However, many of them still choose to continue their education while serving or after their service through the use of the benefits provided in the G.I. Bill.
Keep in mind that these figures can fluctuate slightly year by year based on the size and makeup of the military force. Do also consider that military career paths can vary widely, with some favoring higher education more than others. For example, roles in the medical, legal, and engineering fields often require advanced degrees.
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