Do You Need a College Degree to Enlist in the Military?

I'm a high school junior thinking about enlisting in the military. I was wondering if you need to have a college degree to sign up, or if that's only for certain roles? Any insight would be appreciated as I plan my path.

Enlisting in the military doesn't typically require a college degree. High school graduates are often eligible to enlist once they're 18 years old. Going this route, you would start your military career as an enlisted member, and you'd receive training in a specific area or military job.

However, if you have aspirations to serve as a commissioned officer, such as in a leadership or management role, you would likely need a Bachelor’s degree. Officers are typically those who have gone through a commissioning program, like Officer Candidate School (OCS), Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) programs at colleges, or have attended a service academy like West Point or the Naval Academy, all of which typically require or result in a Bachelor's degree.

Also, it's worth mentioning that certain military careers or job areas might require a degree or specific coursework. For example, a military lawyer, known as a Judge Advocate General (JAG), would need a law degree.

The military also provides opportunities for you to further your education while you serve. You can take classes and earn degrees while enlisted with educational benefits provided by the military, including tuition assistance programs or the G.I. Bill.

Finally, keep in mind that different branches of the military may have their own requirements, so it would be a good idea to talk to a recruiter from the specific branch you're considering to get the most detailed information.