Today’s military offers a wide range of scholarship and educational programs! Whether you are presently in school, just thinking about college or are planning on deferring your educational goals for a while, the military has something for you!
FULL TIME STUDENT?
Today’s military is one of the nation’s largest providers of full time scholarship funds! These programs allow you to attend school FULL-TIME while either deferring your military commitment until graduation or by participating in a reserve or National Guard organization while in school.
Active Duty Programs:Every branch of the service offers some kind of scholarship program. These programs change often and have specific qualification requirements. Check with your recruiter for the details! By joining any branch of the military you may qualify for a wide range of educational benefits but they all have this is common:
Montgomery G. I. Bill
Through the Montgomery GI Bill, you can qualify for money for college at any two or four-year college, vocational school, or correspondence course. With Active Duty, you commit to full-time duty (usually for four years but there are also 2, 3 and 6-year programs) with one branch of the military. While serving, you can qualify for college money by contributing 0 per month for 12 months through payroll deduction. You are then eligible for 6 a month for 36 months for a total of 296! (four year program) You can use this money as a part-time student while serving, or as a full-time student when your duty is completed.Click Here for More Information on the GI Bill
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
The Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines offer these programs at select colleges and universities throughout the country. If you qualify, the ROTC program offers a unique college experience! During the first two years you can attend ROTC classes, such as military science, and participate in training activities, all with no obligation!
During the your junior and senior years, you may receive a FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP, including tuition, books, board and other expenses! This, of course, requires a commitment to serve AS AN OFFICER for a minimum of three years after graduation.
Service Specific Programs
There may be many other programs available. The Army offers a College First program and the Coast Guard has the CSPI program, for example. Check with the recruiters for full details!
PART TIME STUDENT?
Montgomery GI Bill
The RESERVE component of the MGIB allows you to serve in the military branch of your choice on a part-time basis (usually two weeks a year and one weekend per month for six years). During that time, you can earn up to ,180.00 in total benefits. Unlike Active Duty, the Reserve does not require you to contribute any money to your benefits. You become eligible for up to 5 a month for up to 36 months after you complete basic and technical training. And you can attend class full-time while you serve!
The Army and Air National Guard requires the same commitment of time (six years) as the Reserve and provides the same amount of college money (up to ,180) but may also entitle you to additional state money for college. You may even be eligible for up to full tuition some state schools!
College Funds
If you qualify for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps of Coast Guard College Fund Programs, You could receive as much as 10,000 when combined with the Montgomery GI Bill!
Community College
The Community College of the Air Force, an accredited two-year college, offers more that 70 associate degree programs in scientific and technical fields, free of charge for Air Force enlisted personnel.
Tuition Assistance
Most branches offer a tuition assistance program in which you may be reimbursed up to 75% of any tuition you pay. This may also apply to your spouse and children!