Does Joining the Military Really Pay Your Tuition?

The reasons people enlist in the military fall into two categories. The first includes pride and service: defending their country, family tradition, duty and honor, and fighting terrorism. The rest include personal betterment: turn their lives around, improve themselves, learn new skills, and get a job that pays well. Pursuing an education to get a career doing what you love for the rest of your life is another part of the American Dream veterans fight for. Getting a VA loan (a loan that helps veterans become homeowners) is easier now, more than ever, so what’s stopping you?

The Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill covers tuition and fees, a housing allowance, and books and supplies for Veterans who served after September 10, 2001. Eligibility is determined based on length of service and type of discharge. The bill currently reimburses 100 percent of tuition and fees if you attend a public college or university and up to $26, 381.37 per year for private or foreign colleges or universities. This can also be put towards specific training schools, like beautician schools or EMT schools. If Veterans do not plan to use their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, they may now transfer their eligibility to a spouse or child. However, if you are eligible for more than one type of benefit, you must give up one. This will not cover non-mandatory fees, such as studying abroad or penalty fees.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

If you choose a public institution of higher education as a private or non-resident student whose tuition is above the current rates, you may qualify for additional payments under the Yellow Ribbon Program. In order to be eligible, you must qualify for the maximum benefits of the GI Bill.

Schools that sign up for this program reach agreements with the VA to extend additional tuition dollars to veterans. These awards usually amount to an additional $1,000 to $1,500 per year, and these funds are not debited against your annual allowance. There are a limited number of these awards, so apply early.

Monthly Housing Allowance

In addition to tuition coverage, you will receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) similar to the amount received by an E-5 as a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The MHA is based on the ZIP code where the school is located. The value is on average 1,833 a month but can exceed 2,700 depending on where you are living or going to school. This amount decreases if classes are fully online. This is also only used if you are not on active duty. It also depends on your Rate of Pursuit, which is based on the amount of credits you take at your university or college. If you are taking over half of the full-time amount of credits, you get your full housing allowance.

Books/Supplies Stipend

An annual allowance for books and supplies of $1,000 per term is available once you have enrolled for classes.

What Else Should You Know?

Although when doing a quick search online, it may seem that a large percentage of people actually gain a college or postsecondary education while joining the armed forces. Some of these statistics consider the officers. There are many advertisements that show that you can gain some college-level education while in the armed forces. However, 72 percent of the armed forces personnel have received a high school diploma but no degree. Not to say that there aren’t helpful programs in place or colleges that will work with people who are serving. It just is really difficult to do both at the same time.

It is challenging to gain a college education while enlisted, but there are some programs that are there to help. Some colleges have military-friendly programs. These allow for online courses or at a base overseas. These colleges help those in the active military gain degrees, which are generally required if you want to pursue a career in the military as an officer. While looking for schools, you should consider if they have a flexible schedule, access to mentors, and whether or not you can transfer military credit. There are also degree programs that are two years instead of four, which is something to consider when looking into a military-friendly education. Military schools also help with understanding your specific VA benefits and certain colleges even have veteran support groups on campus.

However, it can be very difficult to find the motivation to go to college after serving. Many people find it hard because they will be a lot older than their peers in college, some starting between 25-30 while most college students start at 18. It can also be difficult because after serving many soldiers have PTSD, and although there is treatment it changes their experience. In 2017, 28 percent of veterans showed that there is a way to complete a degree or credential so it is possible, but if you are enlisting, it is something to consider. Those veterans made up less than 1% of all students to get a bachelors by 2017 (if they enrolled in 2011-12).

Summary

Generations of Americans have joined the military specifically to earn their tuition to college when they are discharged. Serving your country will teach discipline, work ethic, confidence, and follow through. You'll return home more mature, knowing what you want to study, and with the financial means to make your American dream a reality. You will have to work hard to get the outcome you want, but there are colleges and programs there to support you. Make sure to do the research before you commit to an academic program. Look into all of your benefits to utilize a post-military education to the best of your ability and fully understand the challenges that may be in your future.

If you’re planning on going to college soon, or are preparing for college, make sure to check out our College Prep section!

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