So, I've heard that in the military, you can earn years of free college. But, I don't quite know how many years of service this would mean. Anybody know the specifics?
Indeed, military service can provide substantial education benefits, especially through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If utilized, this bill can fully cover in-state tuition and fees at public colleges or contribute a substantial amount towards the cost of private or foreign schools. This also includes a stipend for textbooks and supplies.
In order to be eligible for this benefit, a minimum period of service is required. For full benefits, including 36 months worth of educational costs, you would need to have at least 3 years (36 months) of active-duty service after September 10, 2001. However, you can still get partial benefits with a somewhat shorter period of service. For example, with a minimum of 90 days of service, you can get 40% of these benefits. The percentage increases incrementally with your length of service. Remember, these figures apply to active-duty service. Reserve service has different requirements. It may be wise to check this information and other specifics from official military sources or through a military recruiter to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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