Using the G.I. Bill to Get a College Education

Those who serve our country in the form of military service deserve to be well-trained for their chosen career. To this end, the U.S. set up the G.I. Bill following the World War II and has helped many who have served our country attend college.

There are essentially two ways that the G.I. Bill works. A student can choose to go into the military first and then to college or he or she can decide to attend college first and enter the military after receiving their degree.

Those who go into the military first can receive up to $50,000.00 toward their education, depending on the program they choose. In return for a tour of active duty in any of the branches of our military, you will be able to have most of your schooling funded, depending of course, on the cost of the program and school you have chosen.

Another way to go to school with the armed forces G.I. Bill is to be a member of the Reserve Officers Training Corps. (ROTC) Three branches of the military offer ROTC training. These are the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The scholarships from this type of service are merit-based and could be worth more than $50,000.00.

To participate in this program, you need to be a part of your college or university’s ROTC program. During the time you are in school, the Armed Forces will cover your tuition and pay you a monthly living expense. After graduating from college or university, you will elect to serve in active duty in the Army or Navy for three years as an officer or in the Air Force for four years.

If you have been appointed to a military academy, you are entitled to a full scholarship. These are very competitive appointments but throughout your college training, you would receive supplemental paychecks as well as the scholarship. You would also be guaranteed job after you graduate. Students who decide to attend one of the military academies under this program serve as part of the military during their college years and they also commit to service in the military for five years after graduation.

If you have every wanted to join the military, these helps later in your career could be just the incentive you need to go ahead and join. Look into these options and make your decision based on a full understanding of what is available and how it applies to your situation.

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