Attending College While Serving in the Military?

Hey guys, has anyone here juggled both military service and college at the same time? What should I know about this balance and are there certain programs or opportunities available to make this smoother? Would really appreciate hearing others' experiences.

Sure! This is certainly a path that many individuals pursue, often with the support of a variety of programs designed specifically for this purpose.

Many service members utilize benefits from the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill, which can cover a significant portion (or even all) of tuition costs, depending on eligibility. Additionally, these programs often provide allowances for housing and books/resources.

One popular route is attending a traditional four-year university while serving in the National Guard or Reserves. In this scenario, you commit to serve a certain number of years in exchange for tuition assistance, and this typically involves training and serving one weekend per month and two weeks per year.

Online education can be another excellent option for military members due to its flexible schedule, which can ease the transition and help maintain a balance between school and military service.

Additionally, many colleges and universities have programs and resources specifically for service members or veterans. These may include veterans services offices, clubs for veterans or active duty students, and special orientation or support programs.

One important thing to note is that some military training can also count for college credit, based on the American Council on Education's recommendations. This can depend on your specific university's policies, so it's worth checking into.

Lastly, while maintaining this balance requires discipline and structure, remember that it's completely okay to ask for help, whether it's from a mentor, advisor, or fellow veterans at your college or university. They can offer useful advice and resources to keep you on the right track.