Are you thinking about getting more education while serving in the military or after military service? Be sure you don’t overlook the financial aid options available exclusively to military personnel. You might even be able to combine some of these funding sources with others available to the general civilian population.
GI Bills
- To qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill, veterans and active-duty military personnel must have served at least two years. The Montgomery GI Bill provides a cash benefit for college and many other educational programs, including some apprenticeships and job training courses. The amount of the benefit depends on your length of service and category, as well as your educational program. Eligibility for the Montgomery GI Bill requires a payment of $100 a month during the first year of active duty.
- After August 1, 2009, the Post 9/11 GI Bill has also offered benefits, but only for educational programs at an Institute of Higher Learning.
- For reservists who sign on for at least six years, there’s a separate GI Bill, but it ceases 14 years after your eligibility begins, and offers smaller benefits.
ROTC
If you want to take courses in military science and become an officer after you graduate, consider the ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps), which offers scholarships that cover tuition as well as fees and books. You can try the first year without making a military commitment.
Active Duty Tuition Assistance
The GI Bill also provides a program of “Top Up” tuition assistance for active duty soldiers who need more than the regular Tuition Assistance you may already be getting. The tuition assistance can be used for accredited college courses or at vocational or technical institutions and for some high school diploma programs.
Veterans Only
If you began military service between January 1, 1977, and June 30, 1985, you may be eligible for federal aid
through the Veterans Educational Assistance Program--if you also began a contribution account for this program before April 1, 1987. Benefits can last up to 36 months and depend on the amount of your contributions.
Loan Repayments
- Joining the military could also help you pay off federal student loans, including the Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS loans.
- Healthcare workers may be eligible in addition for the Health Professionals Loan Repayment Program.
It’s well worth your time to talk with an education service officer or financial aid adviser in order to make the best choices among the varieties of military financial aid available.
