Joining the military for tuition-free degree: what's the real deal?

Howdy, everyone! So, I've heard quite a few people talk about joining the military to get a free ride through college. Does anyone know how effective/feasible this strategy actually is? Is it a popular route people take? How many folks actually do this?

It's absolutely true that joining the military can provide significant financial assistance for pursuing a degree. This is primarily done through programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which covers up to 100% of tuition fees at many public universities (depending on service length), and also provides a housing allowance and book stipend. For private universities, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help to cover costs that exceed the maximum state tuition.

It's also worth noting that each branch of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) has its own similar tuition assistance programs, offering to pay a significant portion of tuition costs for active-duty members.

However, this route is not for everyone. It requires a significant commitment, usually at least four years of active duty service. Also, the military lifestyle can be quite challenging, with strict discipline, intense physical demands, possible deployment overseas, and potential exposure to combat situations.

In terms of how common this is, about a third of new active-duty enlistees say they're joining primarily for educational benefits according to Department of Defense surveys. However, the number who actually use these benefits is significantly lower. For example, as of 2020, only about half of the 2.8 million veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill have used it.

Lastly, should you choose the military route, you'll find flexibility in when and how you pursue your degree. Some enlistees start taking classes part-time while still in the service, others wait until they've completed their commitment to begin school.

So, while it can indeed be a financially advantageous strategy, it's also important to consider the commitment and lifestyle changes it entails. Anyone considering this path should do thorough research and reflection, and perhaps try to speak with some current or former service members who've been through the process.