Military and Education - Best Options?

What's up, folks? I'm currently considering the military as a post-high school path, both for the experience it can provide and for the educational opportunities. In your opinion, which branch delivers the best education benefits?

One of the leading factors to consider while making your decision is whether you're interested in specific educational areas, since some military branches offer specialized training. For example, if space and aeronautics interest you, the Air Force or the recently-founded Space Force might be the best fit.

However, it's essential to note that all military branches fundamentally offer strong education benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, for instance, is available across all branches and covers up to 100% of your tuition and fees at public colleges for up to 36 months, or up to the maximum national cap for private or international schools. This bill also provides a monthly housing allowance and stipend for books and supplies. If you serve for at least six years and agree to serve another four, you can even transfer these benefits to a spouse or child.

Also worth considering are programs like the Army's College Loan Repayment Program, which repays a significant portion of student loans for eligible soldiers. Similarly, the Navy offers the Navy College Program and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship for those considering officer pathways.

Each branch also offers Tuition Assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members, covering up to 100% of tuition expenses, although the specifics can vary slightly.

Ultimately, the best branch for education benefits will heavily depend on your personal circumstances and academic interests – it's worth speaking to recruiters from different branches and doing thorough research to make an informed decision.