Yes, you can go to college while serving in the military. The military offers several programs that allow you to earn a college degree while you serve. These programs can help you pay for tuition, provide you with academic support, and allow you to take classes on a flexible schedule.
College Benefits for Military Members
The military offers a variety of benefits to help you pay for college:
- The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides up to $4,500 per fiscal year to help you pay for tuition and fees.
- The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) provides up to $33,100 in benefits for veterans who have served at least two years on active duty.
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to $36,000 in benefits for veterans who have served at least three years on active duty or 30 months in the Selected Reserve.
- The Yellow Ribbon Program provides up to $30,000 in additional benefits for veterans who attend private schools.
How to Go to College in the Military
There are several ways to go to college while serving in the military:
- On-post colleges: Many military bases have on-post colleges that offer associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. These colleges are typically accredited by the Department of Education and offer flexible schedules to accommodate military service.
- Online colleges: There are many online colleges that cater to military members. These colleges offer a wide range of degree programs and allow you to take classes at your own pace.
- Traditional colleges: You can also attend a traditional college or university while serving in the military. However, you may need to take time off from school for deployments or other military assignments.
Tips for Going to College in the Military
Here are some tips for going to college while serving in the military:
- Start early: The sooner you start planning for college, the better. This will give you time to research your options and find a program that is right for you.
- Take advantage of military benefits: The military offers a variety of benefits to help you pay for college. Be sure to take advantage of these benefits to reduce the cost of your education.
- Find a supportive program: There are many colleges and universities that offer support services for military members. These services can help you with everything from academic advising to financial aid.
- Be prepared to work hard: Going to college while serving in the military is a challenge. Be prepared to work hard and stay motivated.
- Don’t give up: There will be times when it is difficult to balance your military service with your education. However, don’t give up on your dreams. Keep working hard and don’t let anything stand in your way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when going to college in the military:
- Don’t procrastinate: The sooner you start planning for college, the better. Don’t wait until the last minute to start the application process.
- Don’t try to do it all yourself: There are many resources available to help you go to college in the military. Don’t try to do it all yourself. Reach out to your command for support and guidance.
- Don’t give up: Going to college while serving in the military is a challenge. Don’t give up on your dreams. Keep working hard and don’t let anything stand in your way.
FAQs
Here are some FAQs about going to college in the military:
- Can I use my GI Bill benefits to pay for college while I’m still serving? Yes, you can use your GI Bill benefits to pay for college while you’re still serving. However, you must have completed at least one year of active duty in order to be eligible.
- Can I take classes on a part-time basis? Yes, you can take classes on a part-time basis while serving in the military. This is a great option if you have a busy schedule.
- Can I get academic support? Yes, there are many colleges and universities that offer academic support services for military members. These services can help you with everything from academic advising to tutoring.
- Can I get financial aid? Yes, there are many financial aid options available to military members. You may be eligible for grants, scholarships, and loans.
Conclusion
Going to college while serving in the military is a great way to advance your career and improve your life. The military offers a variety of benefits to help you pay for college, provide you with academic support, and allow you to take classes on a flexible schedule. If you’re thinking about going to college, don’t let your military service hold you back. With the right planning and preparation, you can achieve your educational goals.
