OVERVIEW

The U.S. Armed Forces offer education benefits, including up to $65,000 for college tuition. All branches provide tuition assistance for college courses and some will even help you repay your federal student loans.

Scholarships are available from Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force through the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in return for 4 years of active duty after graduation. In the Reserves or National Guard, you can earn money for college or repay your student loans in exchange for a service commitment.

The four U.S. service academies also cover your college costs in return for a 5-year service commitment.

For more information, visit todaysmilitary.com.

GI BILL

New Post-9/11 G.I. Bill
legislation that provides money for veterans to pay for tuition and fees for public, in-state schools, along with other school-related costs

Recipients can receive paid tuition and fees for public in-state schools, a living stipend and an allowance for books and supplies (around $1,000 per year.)

Education benefits are also available for disabled veterans, and survivors and dependents of veterans.

FINE PRINT

The Post-9/11 GI Bill became effective on Aug. 1, 2009, and veterans who have served after Sept. 10, 2001, with at least 90 days of continuous service, are eligible. The bill also gives Reserve and Guard members who have been activated for more than 90 days since 9/11 access to the same benefits as active-duty soldiers.

You may also be eligible for a fee waiver at a public college if you have financial need and are the child or dependent of a service-connected disabled or deceased veteran, or the recipient or the child of a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor.

For more information, contact your college’s veteran affairs office or the local office of the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs at (888) 442-4551, or go to gibill.va.gov