Can I go to College While in the Military
You probably are wondering, ‘can I be in the military and college simultaneously?’ The answer is a resounding ‘YES.’ Pursuing further studies can be challenging, especially when you have other things that need your attention. With proper time management, attending college while in military active service is possible—thousands of service members have done it. As of 2016, active-duty services members and reserve students represented 1.7% of college enrolment in the country, veterans making up another 4.5%—success in attending college while in the military has been bolstered by the growth of military-friendly colleges online. Besides, homework help websites like gpafix.com can help you navigate college studies and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
This guide helps those with the intention of attending college while in the military to assess enrollment options and get answers to mysteries concerning the military and education.
Can you study while in the military?
People who seek to accelerate personal development boost their professional goals or increase rank and pay to understand that education is crucial. Everyone can access education, including officers on service. College education is offering both offline and online modes to accommodate military students. The online way comes with flexibility that fits students from the military. If you wondered, ‘Can you take online classes while in the military?’ you now can tell that this is even the best option.
How Do I Start College While in the Military?
We all have dreams, but determination and effort are paramount for you to bring them to reality. First, you have to look for an online or a nearby college while critically evaluating all the available options. You do not necessarily have to join a school for the military. Either way, ensure that your institution of choice has a schedule that best fits your career. Attending college while in the military on a full-time or part-time basis is a feasible option as many colleges offer degree programs online.
Military officers account for a minority of enrollments in higher education, not because they lack means, but due to lack of leads towards professional coursework help. While it is easier for part-time officers to enroll in college, full-time members are usually caught in a dilemma. Everyone desires to climb the academic ladder and enjoy the rewards coming with it, but what if our schedules are fixed? Sounds almost impossible, right? However, GPA Fix comes in handy to offer coursework help to those attending college while in the military. It is a renowned site connecting officers to professional guides in their coursework, assisting them in attaining their professional goals while in service. It is helpful outsourcing help when things get out of control.
Going to college while in the military
Time is a crucial factor in any endeavor, something that most service members lack—going to college while in the navy or any military category can sound unmanageable. Many colleges have, however, designed their systems to accommodate students attending college while in the military. Putting in place deployment policies has been helpful as it allows students to put education on hold while on deployment. Also, online programs come with the flexibility that helps students access course materials, lectures, library sources, and discussions on an around-the-clock basis.
Active duty veterans and reserve officers enjoy a variety of benefits and resources when it comes to education. Apart from scholarships, there are loans, grants, and other funding programs developed to help them transition into civilian life. Aspirants who already attended college and wish to join the military stand a better chance of a higher rank in the military. Education is generally a stepping stone to personal development that militant officers should get access to undisputed.
If you were wondering, ‘can you be in the military and go to college at the same time?’, you now have an answer. Suppose you intend to advance your career; attending college while in the military should not be an issue. Nothing should stop you, especially when you have our professional tutors to offer a helping hand.
Benefits of Joining College while in Military
There is a lot to be gained after you acquire a degree. These benefits are enticing to many individuals who go ahead to sort after education. The list below highlights a few advantages that come with attending college while in the military:
Life Experience Development
Being a military service member exposes individuals to a variety of experiences. However, attending college while in the military extends the experiences closer to the civilian lifestyle. The school equips an individual with knowledge and real-world skills to face life within the military and beyond.
Rank acceleration
Bypassing general enlistment to direct officer training is one significant advantage that comes with possessing a 4-year degree. Besides easy entry into the military, climbing the rank ladder also becomes easy; you barely need to work your way up. Attending college while in the military comes with the benefits of taking on leadership roles and earning high salaries.
College loan repayment
Individuals joining the military while in college or after college can apply for existing college loan repayment. The forgiveness amount depends on the loan type and amount and your employment basis in the military. For instance, in the US, the federal government can pay up to 33.3% of the balance annually for Army or Navy officers and 15% for the Army National Guard.
Education Voucher
Suppose you plan to go to college while in the navy; you can receive funding towards your degree as long as it is relevant to the goals of the navy. You should, however, ensure that you meet the course requirements only when you are off-duty. Note that candidates who exhibit competent behavioral characteristics such as leadership potential stand a better chance of attending college while in the military using the Graduate Education Voucher (GEV)
Getting a degree while in the military is beneficial despite the many challenges that come with it. However, these challenges can be overcome since there are over 500 professionals on the gpafix.com platform ready to help. If you were wondering, ‘can you earn a degree while in the military?’, you should have an answer by now. Military officers can consider making the most of their military experience besides maintaining law and order.
FAQs-Can I Join College While in the military
Can you use the GI Bill while on active duty?
GI bill is one of the benefits veterans in the US enjoy when they are honorably discharged from the military. It carters for all or part of school costs for both the veteran and their family members. GI Bill can, however, be enjoyed by military veterans who are still on duty, provided they serve at least 90 days in the military. However, it is not a good idea since the regulations are not as generous to active members as individuals on exit. For instance, active members are ineligible for the monthly house allowance from the GI Bill as the military is already suppling.
Does the military pay for college?
There are many incentives that veterans enjoy depending on their length of service. Among these benefits is the Armed Forces tuition assistance. The military also pays for the house allowance and stipends for learning resources such as textbooks besides the tuition fees. With all the financial programs put in place, attending college while in the military should never be an issue.
Can I go to college for free if my dad was in the military?
Yes! The post 9/11 GI Bill provides financial education benefits to any who served for at least 90 days in the military. To enjoy maximum benefits, the officer must serve at least 36 months. Family members to long-serving military officers can enjoy these benefits only if they are transferred to them. The officer must have served for six years and willing to continue being in service for at least four more years to move these benefits. All that said, you now have an answer to ‘How many years do you have to serve in the military to get free college?’
Does the GI Bill cover 4 years of college?
GI Bill coverage of up to 36 months must be enough to cover four years of college. Note that the academic months must be consecutive to enjoy the benefits maximally. However, some reasons may deter the funds from covering an entire 4-year college course. Reasons range from attending private universities to losing credits on college to college transfer, among others. Losing credits elongates course completion time, thus surpassing the 36 months.
Attending college while in the military using the GI Bill requires a savvy individual who can use every amount of money available. If you were worried about ‘Can you get a degree while on active duty?’, you now have an idea. It is up to you to maximize the funds.
Is there a GPA requirement for GI Bill?
Among the benefits of joining college while in the military is the MGIB. There is no range of GPA points that guarantees eligibility for the GI Bill. However, a student must maintain a GPA of at least 2.0. A lower GPA can lead to academic probation, which leads to the cancellation of benefits.
What if I receive a failing grade? Will I repay GI Bill?
There are two options for this situation. If the grade does not count as an earned credit but contributes to acquiring a degree, GI Bill will pay for you to retake the class. However, if the grade counts as a failed credit which often happens when a class is dropped, you will have to repay all amount received for your entire course. The money may be taken out of your housing allowance in case you do not pay. Attending college while in the military requires dedication lest you fall into bad books with the government.
How much of your education will be paid for by the military as an active duty?
Military education funds are majorly designed to pay for undergraduate courses. Only the Army Reserve and the Air Force reserve members enjoy graduate education funds, although with limited options. The Navy and Marine reserve do not offer this benefit. If you were wondering, ‘Can you go to college while in the Army Reserve?’ you have an answer.
How many classes can you take while on active duty?
GI Bill can pay up to 16 semester hours. How much an individual gets depends on their student status. Students who take 12 or more credits per semester are often considered full-time, while those who take less are considered part-time students. In case you have a plan of attending school while in the military, consider weighing the most comfortable option.
Can you go to college while in the air force?
Sure! All you need to do is select a course that will not interfere with your service in the military. The military has designed funding programs such as the Active Duty Montgomery G.I Bill, which caters to up to 100% of the tuition fees.
Can you be deployed in the national guard while in college?
The answer is ‘yes!’ Students attending college while in the military can be deployed. The good news is that the service can be part-time to have you get time for your studies. Ensure to inform the university to avoid inconveniences.
Can you go to college while in the marines?
Attending college while in the military is possible, as mentioned. All military categories the marine department included allow their service members to pursue education while off from duties. You need to reach out to United States Marine Corps and weigh on the options they have for you before commencing.
Can you go to college while in the navy?
Definitely! The military offers education benefits to all the members in the military, provided they meet the requirements.
What are the best colleges for active-duty military officers?
Some of the best colleges for active officers and veterans are:
- Columbia Southern University (CSU)
- Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)
- University of Phoenix (UOPX or UOP)
- University of Southern Mississippi (USM or Southern Miss)
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
- Does the military pay for college if you already graduated?
Although the military majorly bases its funds on college education, the GI Bill program caters to graduate education.
Do veterans go to college for free?
Veterans are eligible to receive free tuition even when they have no funds available through the GI Bill or any other federal program. The tuition fee can extend up to 4 years, provided they attend relevant colleges.
