Hey people, heard somewhere that if you join the military, you can get access to free college. Is there any truth to this? How does it work exactly? Does it apply to all college programs?
Hello there! Yes, it's true that the U.S Military does provide education benefits that can help soldiers attend college for reduced costs or even for free, but it comes with conditions. These benefits come mainly through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides benefits for education and housing to servicemembers who have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 consecutive days. If you qualify, you can get up to 36 months of benefits, including full tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and yearly books and supplies stipend. These benefits can be transferred to dependents (spouse or children) under some circumstances.
The Montgomery GI Bill is divided into two sections: Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) for active-duty members who have served at least two years, and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) for members of the Reserve and Guard. These also provide up to 36 months of education benefits, but the payments you receive will be flat rate and adjusted based on factors like your length of service and type of training.
However, be mindful that these programs may not cover all types of educational costs and programs. The programs usually cover degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training, and correspondence courses. Each school may participate at different levels, and the benefits may not extend to all available programs at an institution. It's a great idea to contact schools you're interested in to see how they participate.
It's also important to mention that, before making such a serious commitment like joining the military, keep in mind that the commitment usually involves years of service—active duty or in the reserves. You have to balance your obligation to serve with your educational and career goals.
Lastly, every servicemember's circumstances are unique, so it's a good idea to speak directly with a military recruiter or educational counselor for specifics based on your situation.
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