Military Tuition Assistance and College

I'm really excited to serve my country (planning to join right after high school) but I also don't want to give up on education. Do you guys know of any colleges that accept Military Tuition Assistance? Would it cover most of my tuition cost?

Indeed, many colleges across the nation are more than happy to accept Military Tuition Assistance (TA). The details of the assistance depend a bit on the branch of the military you're intending to join, as each branch has slightly different terms, but usually, this assistance covers up to $250 per semester credit hour, with a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year.

A good portion of universities, including public, private, and many online institutions, allow the use of Military TA. Some especially military-friendly ones even commit to "capping" the tuition so that all costs are fully covered by the TA. This list includes universities like the University of Arizona, Columbia Southern University, and American Public University, among others.

Keep in mind, though, that TA usually doesn't cover additional fees such as application fees, books, or certain other supplies. While TA often won't cover the entirety of tuition, with schools sometimes costing well beyond the TA cap, every bit can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs!

If you're planning to use TA, you'll need to ensure your service branch has approved your eligibility prior to starting a course. Remember to apply for TA through your specific military branch, as the exact process can differ between services. It's also essential to remain in good academic standing to continue receiving the benefit. Finally, don't forget that offerings like the GI Bill or scholarships specifically for veterans can supplement or replace TA in certain scenarios, giving you even more flexibility. Good luck with your upcoming journey!