Early Discharge from the Military for College?

Hello everyone. I've been considering joining the military after high school, but I also want to go to college. Do they offer any early-out programs that allow you to leave the military early for college? Thanks in advance for the info.

Yes, there are programs that allow for early discharge with the intent to attend college. This is intended to give service members enough time to apply for colleges and transition to civilian life in a smoother way.

One such program is the Early Separation to Further Education program. This allows enlisted members to separate from the military up to 90 days before the end of their enlistment period, granted their commanders approve it. In most cases, taking advantage of this policy requires that service members have been accepted to an accredited learning institution (like a college or technical school) and their classes start within those 90 days.

Your particular branch of service may have additional programs or policies too, so it's a good idea to talk directly with a recruiter or an education counselor within the military to understand what options are best for your specific situation. Keep in mind that approval for early discharge to further education is not guaranteed and is often discretionary, based on factors like manning levels and the needs of the service.

Additionally, there's the option of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). The ROTC program allows you to attend college while also training to become an officer in the military. After graduation, you will serve in the military for a certain period of time. This could be an attractive option if you wish to pursue both your military and college careers simultaneously.

Lastly, there's the GI Bill, which provides educational assistance to servicemembers, veterans, and their dependents. This is a beneficial policy to take advantage of after your service period ends, as it can greatly help with tuition and other college-related costs.