Does the military pay for college while active duty?

Asked by: Brando Thiel  |  Last update: September 2, 2023
Score: 4.5/5 (19 votes)

Military.com highlights, “Not only does the military pay up to 100 percent of college tuition while you serve on active duty,” but it “also offers the GI Bill (about $36,000) to use for college up to 10 years after leaving the service.” The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing, up to ...

How many years do you have to be in the military to get free college?

For vets who have served at least two years of active duty, the military pays for college through the MGIB-AD. If you qualify, you'll receive up to 36 months of education benefits. The amount you receive depends on: Length of service.

How much will military pay for college?

Tuition Assistance pays for up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition or expenses, up to a maximum of $250 per credit and a personal maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year per student. This program is the same for full-time members in all Military Services.

Can you go to college and be active military?

Yes! Many individuals worry that they have to choose between the military and college, when deciding their future path. The truth is, you can pursue both—and there are even benefits to doing so. First, it is important to find a school that can cater to your schedule and military obligations.

How does the military work with college?

Attending college during military service

The Military Tuition Assistance Program pays active-duty service members up to 100% of tuition expenses up to $250 per credit. There are more than 1,900 colleges that offer service members and their families the chance to finish college degrees despite a mobile military life.

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38 related questions found

Is military school free in USA?

Each branch of the U.S. military has its own college-level service academy to train future officers. All of these academies are free to attend in return for a commitment to serve, but they are highly competitive in terms of admission.

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.

Is it better to go to college or military?

There's no hard and fast rule whether choosing the military or college first is better. However, if you want to become an officer, you must have a college degree. If you can't afford college, enlisting and using the GI Bill for college later may work out better for you.

Which is better active duty or reserves?

Active duty is a better option for those looking for a secure full-time job with numerous benefits. Reserve duty is a better option for those wishing to serve their country, build career skills, earn extra money, and access military benefits without making a full-time commitment.

Can you be deployed while in college?

Yes, college students who are Soldiers can be deployed, but most schools will work with students to smooth out the details in the event that happens.

Will the military pay for all 4 years of college?

Military.com highlights, “Not only does the military pay up to 100 percent of college tuition while you serve on active duty,” but it “also offers the GI Bill (about $36,000) to use for college up to 10 years after leaving the service.” The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing, up to ...

Do people join the military for free college?

The GI Bill helps current and former Soldiers pay for college, trade school, technical school, licensing, certification programs, on-the-job training, online schooling, and more. Many Soldiers using the GI Bill receive full tuition for their service.

Does military pay for college and dorm?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill has several facets including: Up to 100% tuition and fee coverage. A monthly housing allowance. Up to $1,000 a year for books and supplies.

Which military branch pay the most?

All military branches pay the same basic rate.

This means that there is not one military branch that is the highest-paid. Typically, how pay works in the military are that you are paid according to your rank. This generally correlates with how long you've been in the armed forces and your specific experience level.

How long is military college?

In general, students attend these colleges for four years. They may receive financial aid through the standard channels, including federal financial aid, though some schools offer additional support for junior- and senior-level students.

How long is an active duty contract?

Joining the military is a big commitment, not to be taken lightly. Most first-term enlistments require a commitment to four years of active duty and two years of inactive (Individual Ready Reserve, or IRR). But the services also offer programs with two-, three- and six-year active-duty or reserve enlistments.

How long is basic training?

You're ready to start becoming a Soldier. In 10 weeks, you'll be physically and mentally stronger than you've ever been, and ready to join the team that protects America. Most recruits are curious about Basic Combat Training (BCT). What is it like?

Does active duty get paid more than Reserves?

Reservists who are called to active duty will be paid for their active service the same as for “regular Army” troops or other service members–Reservists called to active duty service are compensated for the time spent working on active duty and those Reservists who serve on active duty earn days toward qualifying for ...

Is military college hard?

Service Academy Life

In many respects, life for students at each of the military academies is very similar. The academies are known for being extremely strict, conservative, and requiring a great deal of discipline. Underclassmen, especially, have very little freedom.

Which military branch is the best to join after college?

If you're thinking of joining the military after college, the following 10 careers may provide a fulfilling career path:
  • Marine corps military police.
  • Navy operations specialist.
  • Navy nurse.
  • Army nurse.
  • Army animal care specialist.
  • Army IT professional.
  • Avionics electrical technician.
  • Navy administrative clerk.

Is it hard to get a degree while in the military?

Keep in mind that getting a degree while on active duty is not easy. You have many things vying for your attention with your military career and that leaves little time for your education. You may need to slow down your timeline for degree completion.

What is the cut off age for active duty?

Each branch of the military has age limits to enlist in active duty: Air Force: 17 - 39. Army: 17 - 35. Coast Guard: 17 - 31.

What disqualifies you from active duty?

Medical conditions, criminal history, age, physical fitness, and drug abuse can all disqualify you from joining the Army.

How often can you go home in active duty?

Annual Leave: Active duty Soldiers earn 2.5 days of annual (chargeable) leave for each month of service, for a total of 30 days per year. Currently, Soldiers can bank up to 60 days of leave at the end of the fiscal year.