Can military service help pay off existing college debt?

Yo, I'm currently a rising junior looking into my post high school options. I've heard somewhere that the military can help pay off pre-existing college debt. Is there any legitimacy to this claim? If so, how does the program work and what sort of obligations does it entail?

Hello! Your information is definitely right - certain branches of the U.S. military do have programs that can aid service members in paying off existing student loan debt. One of the most common methods for this is the Army's College Loan Repayment Program (CLRP).

If you join the Army under this program, the military can help pay off up to $65,000 of your existing loans. It's important to note, however, that this isn't a simple once-and-done payment. Generally, the Army pays 33.33% of your outstanding principal balance or $1,500, whichever is greater, every year for three years. This type of benefit often requires that you serve in particular roles, so you should make sure to discuss this with a recruiter to clarify the specific terms you'd need to meet. These can include having a high school diploma, scoring above a certain level on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and enlisting for a specified number of years.

Joining other branches like the Air Force, Navy, and National Guard can also present other types of educational benefits, so it all really depends on the branch you're interested in.

Remember though, serving in the military is quite a commitment, so it's essential to fully understand what you're signing up for before making any decisions. It's also worth noting that if you're joining solely for the loan repayment, you might want to explore other alternative methods first such as work-study programs, college grants, or part-time job opportunities. This way, you can ensure that your decision to serve in the military isn't solely based on financial need, but also your genuine interest in serving your country.