ARTICLE
4 minute read•Nov. 25, 2020
The military is an honorable way for patriotic men and women to both serve their country and pursue a career. When it comes to education and career benefits, the military takes care of service members during, and after, their service. Of course, the military itself can be a rewarding career choice. But if they decide to move on, service members can access many tools, resources and benefits to successfully transition into civilian careers.
Job training during military service
An enlisted service member spends much of their first year training for their “military occupational specialty” – their military job. Many of these positions are similar to civilian jobs.
A wide range of trades and services – from electricians to nurses to musicians – is needed by the military. Many earn civilian job certifications as part of their regular military training. Air Force combat controllers, for example, get FAA certifications, just like civilian air traffic controllers.
Attending college during military service
There are a number of ways to earn higher education degrees while serving in the military.
- 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.
- Both the Army and the Navy offer loan repayment programs to help active-duty service members pay off student loans they took out before enlisting.
- More than 1,700 colleges and universities offer Reserve Officer Training Corps programs. ROTC cadets commit to military service after graduation, and receive military officer training and tuition, fee and textbook scholarships during their time in college.
- There are also several types of military schools: service academies, senior military colleges and maritime academies. The nature of the service required during and after attending these schools varies.
Education after military service
After a service member decides to leave the military, there are a number of opportunities for them to further their education. One of the biggest pluses for veterans is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover up to 100% of college tuition expenses and up to $1,000 a month for rent. Veterans can use this program to get a college degree, vocational training or other certification. Current service members with between six and 16 years of service can also transfer this benefit to a spouse or child.
Veterans with at least two years of active-duty service can use the Montgomery GI Bill program to get up to $61,000 for college programs, flight training or apprenticeships.
Veterans and FRY Scholars who have or will soon exhaust their benefits and are currently enrolled in a STEM degree program or are seeking a teaching certification are eligible to receive the Rogers STEM scholarship. Family members who received transferred entitlement are not eligible for additional educational assistance under the STEM Scholarship.
Service members or their spouses can also reach out to Military OneSource education consultants while actively serving and for up to a year post-separation or retirement. These consultants can help service members and their family members figure out their education goals, find military-friendly colleges and professional programs, and apply for scholarships – all at no cost.
Career opportunities after military service
The positions that soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen hold in the military not only allow them to serve their country, but also help them collect years of experience in a trade or service. If they decide to leave the military, their service branch’s COOL program can translate their experience into a resume that civilian hiring managers can understand. Veterans can also get a leg up for many public service jobs in federal, state and local positions. Learn more about careers in the military.
FAQs
Attending college during military service
There are a number of ways to earn higher education degrees while serving in the military. The Military Tuition Assistance Program pays active-duty service members up to 100% of tuition expenses up to $250 per credit.
How to get free college from the military? ›
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 ...
What is the Military OneSource program? ›
Military OneSource from the Defense Department is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it's your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive. Call us anytime at 800-342-9647 — we're here for you.
Do military officers get free 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.
Will the military pay for 4 years of college? ›
The Green to Gold program helps cover school costs for active-duty Soldiers looking to finish a four-year BA program or a two-year graduate program while earning a commission as an Officer.
How many years of military service for free college? ›
To qualify for full educational benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, individuals must serve at least 36 months in the military.
Does the military pay for housing while in college? ›
You may be eligible for money to help pay for your housing while you're studying. If you're eligible for monthly housing allowance (MHA), we'll pay you this allowance at the end of each month.
What is the range for a typical military salary? ›
The average U.S. Army salary ranges from approximately $33,066 per year for Quartermaster to $92,168 per year for Commander. The average U.S. Army monthly salary ranges from approximately $1,760 per month for Radio and Communications Security Repairer to $10,849 per month for Medical Officer.
How do I pay my bills while in basic training? ›
By setting up automatic payments and designating a trusted person to manage your bills, you can ensure your financial responsibilities are met. Take advantage of military pay and benefits, and explore financial assistance programs to ease your burden.
Is Military OneSource the same as Tricare? ›
While Military OneSource does not directly manage or facilitate any part of the TRICARE health benefits program, we want to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your family to live your best MilLife.
1. United States of America. The United States, one of the largest economies, has the most powerful military in the world. Its multifaceted strategy, combining land, air, sea, and space assets, is what gives it power.
How much is the Military OneSource contract? ›
ValueOptions Federal Services received a potential five-year, $422.6M contract from the General Services Administration's Federal Systems Integration and Management Center to manage a commercial employee assistance program for U.S. military personnel and their families.
What military program pays for college? ›
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most frequently used VA education benefit program. It provides aid for college or an advanced degree, technical training, on-the-job training or a certification, or licensing and certification for those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
Do I get free college if my dad was in the military? ›
The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board.
How long do you have to be in the military to get college benefits? ›
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
You can get benefits through MGIB-AD if you served at least 2 years on active duty and you meet all of these requirements. All of these must be true: You were honorably discharged, and. You have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit, and.
Will the military pay for college debt? ›
The Loan Repayment Program (LRP) is a special incentive that the Army offers to highly qualified applicants entering the Army. Under the LRP, the Army will repay part of a Soldier's qualifying student loans. Only specified Military Occupational Specialties (MOSs) qualify for the LRP.
Will the military pay for medical school? ›
As part of the HPSP, the Military will pay your tuition, provide a living stipend and reimburse you for required books, equipment and supplies. Once you are accepted for the HPSP, your Service branch will contact your medical school and start paying your tuition.
Will the VA pay for my child's college? ›
The College Tuition Fee Waiver for the Dependents of Veterans -- sometimes called the CalVet Fee Waiver -- is a state benefit that provides a tuition-free education at the CSU and the other state public post-secondary colleges and universities.
Will the military pay for law school? ›
Service members interested in joining the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAGC) may be eligible for the Army to cover the cost of law school using the Funded Legal Education Program (FLEP). Service members continue to serve on active duty and the Army covers the cost of tuition.
