Military Service and Free College

I've heard that if you join the military, you can get free college. Is this true? Does it apply to all branches of service or only certain ones? How does this work exactly - is it a scholarship program, tuition reimbursement, or something else entirely?

Yes, serving in the military can indeed open up opportunities for paid-for higher education. This applies to all branches of the U.S. military - the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Space Force. The assistance comes primarily in two forms - the GI Bill and the Tuition Assistance program.

The GI Bill is a benefit provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It offers up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members and veterans. These benefits can be used for college degree programs, vocational and technical training, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training, among other things. There are actually two types of the GI Bill: the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is typically the most generous in terms of benefits, providing up to 100% college tuition and fees, a monthly living allowance, and a book and supply stipend for up to 36 months. The Tuition Assistance program is separate from the GI Bill. It's a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services. Besides these, there are also military academies like the United States Military Academy (West Point), United States Naval Academy, United States Air Force Academy, and the United States Coast Guard Academy, which provide an undergraduate education at no cost in exchange for a service obligation upon graduation. Remember that military service is a serious commitment, and while educational benefits are significant, they should not be the only consideration in your decision to join. Make sure you research thoroughly and consider all aspects of military service.