Best military branch for educational benefits?

Hello folks, I'm thinking about joining the military for the education benefits (like tuition assistance and the GI Bill). Any insights into which branch offers the best educational programs and benefits?

In terms of education benefits, all branches of the military -- Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force -- essentially provide the same benefits through the Post 9/11 GI Bill. They all provide tuition assistance during service and up to 36 months of benefits, including tuition, fees, and an allowance for housing and books, after service. Under certain conditions, these benefits can also be transferred to dependents.

In more detail, the Post 9/11 GI Bill covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at many types of public and private institutions, provides a monthly housing allowance while you're in school, and gives you up to $1,000 a year to use for books and supplies. If you're serving on or after August 1, 2021, you can also get back up to $2,000 in licensing, certification, or national test reimbursements.

While the basic benefits are the same across all branches, the implementation of the benefits (such as tuition assistance during service) can vary slightly. For example, some branches might cover 100% of tuition up to a certain dollar amount per credit hour and fiscal year cap, while others may cover a lower percentage or have lower caps.

Furthermore, some branches have unique programs. The Navy, for example, has the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship Program, which pays for the cost of tuition, books, and other educational fees at many colleges and universities. The Army also has the Green to Gold program for enlisted members who want to earn a commission as an Army Officer; this program provides options which can pay for your tuition and give you an annual book allowance.

So, while the benefits are largely the same, the best branch for you depends on your individual needs and career goals both in and outside of the military. It's recommended that you meet with recruiters from different branches to get a clear understanding of what each branch might offer you in terms of educational benefits, career opportunities, duty locations, et cetera.