Can I go to school while on active duty military?
Asked by: Carlos Dach DDS | Last update: January 23, 2026Score: 4.7/5 (70 votes)
Although there are exceptions, military service members on active duty are typically left with three options for higher
Can I go to school while active duty?
Depending on your job, mission, duty station, & etc., you can certainly go to school while on active duty. Tuition assistance does pay for some school (a certain number of credit hours per year). You can go to classes if your schedule allows, or you can attend online classes.
Is it possible to study while in the military?
Your schedule is full between deployments, training, and the ever-present need to stay ready for the next mission—the idea of adding a college degree on top of all that might feel overwhelming. But here's the good news—you can do it. Yes, you can pursue your education and earn your degree while serving your country.
How many classes can you take while active duty?
The number of classes you can take while on active duty will depend on your personal life and military obligations, but many students can take up to three classes per semester. You may have to pause classes while on Army Temporary Duty, deployments, or significant inspections.
Can you go to graduate school while in the military?
Graduate Education
While on active duty, you can pursue a master's degree in almost any subject with tuition assistance, which pays up to $250 per semester hour, up to $4,500 per year.
Can You Go To College While Active Duty Military?
What military branch pays the most?
When it comes to your basic pay, the military branches are all the same. A look at military pay charts shows that military pay is based on a pay grade, or rank, and years of service. In terms of your base pay, there is no fundamental advantage to opting for one branch of service over another.
Is it possible to see family and friends while in the military as active duty?
Yes. Bases offer on-base guest accommodations that enable family members to visit Airmen at a lower cost than what is available off-base. Airmen can regularly entertain friends that live off-base at on-base rec centers.
What disqualifies you from active duty?
Un-united fractures, history of instability of a major joint, certain retained orthopedic fixation devices, severe scoliosis, or any condition that could interfere with daily participation in rigorous physical training or athletic programs, wearing of military equipment, or detract from military bearing and appearance ...
Which military branch is the best?
Air Force: Often recognized for its advanced technology, the Air Force is great for those interested in aviation, cybersecurity, or technology-based roles. It's generally considered to have a better quality of life compared to other branches with its superior living conditions and emphasis on education.
Can active duty military have a second job?
Can Active Duty Military Members Have Side Jobs? Yes, active-duty military members are allowed to start and run a small business or seek employment with a third-party employer, but you will need to receive permission from your command before starting.
How long is boot camp?
Army: Basic Combat Training (BCT) lasts about 10 weeks. 2. Navy: Recruit Training, or "boot camp," is approximately 10 weeks long.
Can the military get you into college?
Regardless of which branch you have served, your military background can help to distinguish and strengthen your application. In fact, not only can military experience help you get into college — it may also allow you to graduate faster.
Can you study on active duty?
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
While you're on active duty, 100% of your tuition is covered at accredited institutions, up to $225 per college credit and/or $4500 per year. The Tuition Assistance Program is available at any duty station and participating can even help you earn bonus points toward promotion.
Should you go to college or military first?
If you join the military after college, you'll automatically enter at a higher officer rank. This comes with pay bonuses and career advancement opportunities. You can still enjoy military education benefits to fund a master's degree, but you'll have more doors open if you earn your bachelor's degree first.
Is active duty full time military?
A person who is active duty is in the military full time. They work for the military full time, may live on a military base, and can be deployed at any time. Persons in the Reserve or National Guard are not full-time active duty military personnel, although they can be deployed at any time should the need arise.
What is the lowest paid military branch?
E-1: $20,340. E-1 is the lowest enlisted rank in the US military: Airman Basic (Air Force), Private (Army/Marine Corps), Seaman Recruit (Navy). Service members usually hold this rank through basic training, and automatically promote to the next rank after six months of service.
What is the hardest military branch to get into?
Marine Corps - The Marine Corps is often considered the toughest branch of the military both physically and mentally. It has the most rigorous basic training, known as boot camp, which lasts 13 weeks. Marines are trained not only physically but also mentally, to have a "first to fight" mindset.
What is the safest military branch for females?
Generally speaking, some suggest the Air Force and Coast Guard typically have lower incidences of combat situations compared to Army and Marines, while offering a wide range of non-combat roles.
Who cannot join the military?
Felons and individuals with multiple convictions cannot join, but waivers are available on a case-by-case basis. All interested individuals must clear a criminal background check and have no felony convictions.
Can you quit active duty?
You will submit an Unqualified Resignation from Active Duty (ACDU) as an active component officer who will be awarded an Honorable Discharge upon separation.
Can you join the military instead of going to jail?
A great amount of anecdotal evidence exists that suggests a number of people have performed military service instead of doing time in prison, but from a legal perspective, this is prohibited.
Can my girlfriend live on base with me?
For starters, an unmarried couple cannot live on a base outside of certain extenuating circumstances that would have the non-service member defined as a caregiver for the service member's children. As a result, unmarried military couples typically live off-base.
Can you FaceTime while in the military?
You can't contact family and friends.
Skype, FaceTime or any of the other many video-chatting services have given deployed service members around the world the ability to be in touch with their families and friends at any time of day in some of the most remote areas of the world.
How many kids can you have in the military?
DoD generally prohibits the enlistment of any applicant who has more than two dependents under the age of 18. While the Services are allowed to waive this policy, they often will not.