Balancing Military and Community College

I'm thinking about enlisting after graduation to help pay for college, but I've also heard about the benefits of community college. How could I balance being in the military and attending community college? Has anyone here done it?

Definitely possible! Many individuals successfully balance both commitments. Here are some strategies based on what others have managed to do.

You have two main paths - active duty or reserves. Both offer educational benefits, but the way you balance school and military duties will vary depending on the path you choose.

If you're active duty, you can utilize Tuition Assistance Programs to offset the cost of your education while you're serving. Many military members take online classes or attend colleges near their base in their off-time. But it's important to remember that your military duties will always come first, and you will need to be flexible in adjusting your academic schedule around them.

If you go the reserves route, you'll typically have one weekend a month and two weeks a year of required service. This option might better align with a traditional community college schedule since your reserve duties won't take up as much of your time. Plus, you'd still qualify for the GI Bill which can help cover your educational costs.

The key is communication - let your college advisors and professors know about your military commitments. Most will be understanding and potentially offer accommodations, such as flexibility on deadlines.

Also, consider taking advantage of the CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), which is free to military personnel. It allows you to earn college credits by passing exams, effectively skipping some courses and saving you both time and money.

Remember, everyone's experience will vary. What may work for one person might not work for another. It can be a challenging balancing act, but many find the experience and benefits to be worth the effort. Good luck as you weigh your options!