5 answers
Maxon
Student
Bay City, Michigan
1
Question
Updated
1280 views
How do i get a full ride to college from the military?
and how much money will it take to get a full ride
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5 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
102
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Maxon,
The GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance are both good ways to get money for school, but in most cases would not be considered a "full ride" and cover all of your expenses. Both also require that are already in the military.
If you're looking for a "full ride" to pay your college expenses prior to being an active military member, there are 2 options. One is to attend a military service academy like Westpoint, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, etc. This will cover literally all costs - travel, food, housing, school, textbooks, uniforms, etc. But the cost is that its a very rigid, strict, military training school, and it's very competitive to get accepted.
A popular alternative is to apply for an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) scholarship. An ROTC program allows you to attend a civilian college, and have a fairly normal college experience, while training for the military part time. You still earn a military commission upon graduation, just like the service academies. Scholarships are available in many forms, including 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year "full-ride" scholarships.
These scholarships are still competitive, so it's important to do well in high school, play sports, be involved in your community, etc. Things may have changed since I earned my ROTC scholarship in 2010, but I doubt it - to get a 4-year full-ride scholarship straight out of high school is very competitive, and there are significantly more scholarships available for technical degrees (like engineering or meteorology).
For more information on ROTC scholarships, I suggest finding a few colleges you'd be interested in attending, find out if they have ROTC programs, and then reach out to that specific ROTC program's recruiter. These scholarship requirements and options can get quite complicated, and a normal military recruiter that you'd find in the local mall is typically not an expert on ROTC Scholarships, since their objective is to get you to enlist in the military immediately - not go to college for a few years first.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have follow on questions.
~Ryan, Captain, US Air Force
The GI Bill and Military Tuition Assistance are both good ways to get money for school, but in most cases would not be considered a "full ride" and cover all of your expenses. Both also require that are already in the military.
If you're looking for a "full ride" to pay your college expenses prior to being an active military member, there are 2 options. One is to attend a military service academy like Westpoint, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, etc. This will cover literally all costs - travel, food, housing, school, textbooks, uniforms, etc. But the cost is that its a very rigid, strict, military training school, and it's very competitive to get accepted.
A popular alternative is to apply for an ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) scholarship. An ROTC program allows you to attend a civilian college, and have a fairly normal college experience, while training for the military part time. You still earn a military commission upon graduation, just like the service academies. Scholarships are available in many forms, including 2-year, 3-year, and 4-year "full-ride" scholarships.
These scholarships are still competitive, so it's important to do well in high school, play sports, be involved in your community, etc. Things may have changed since I earned my ROTC scholarship in 2010, but I doubt it - to get a 4-year full-ride scholarship straight out of high school is very competitive, and there are significantly more scholarships available for technical degrees (like engineering or meteorology).
For more information on ROTC scholarships, I suggest finding a few colleges you'd be interested in attending, find out if they have ROTC programs, and then reach out to that specific ROTC program's recruiter. These scholarship requirements and options can get quite complicated, and a normal military recruiter that you'd find in the local mall is typically not an expert on ROTC Scholarships, since their objective is to get you to enlist in the military immediately - not go to college for a few years first.
I hope that helps! Let me know if you have follow on questions.
~Ryan, Captain, US Air Force
David Mathis
Sales
6
Answers
Lincoln, California
Updated
David’s Answer
It Depends. The Post 9/11 GI Bill gives you quite a bit of support to go to school after you complete your military service. Also there is Tuition Assistance available while you are in still enlisted. So if you have time, you can complete college course while you serve. Then once you are finished with your enlistment you can use the GI BILL to complete your education.
The 9/11 GI Bill gives you enough for Tuition, Books, Food, and an above poverty level apartment. So save what you can before you get out if you don't want to work at all while you go to school.
Start doing burpies now, future you will thank you.
The 9/11 GI Bill gives you enough for Tuition, Books, Food, and an above poverty level apartment. So save what you can before you get out if you don't want to work at all while you go to school.
David recommends the following next steps:
Lauren Cooke
Consulting
9
Answers
Camden, South Carolina
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hello Maxon,
Adding to the insightful suggestions from Ryan and David, there's another excellent opportunity for you - the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP). This program allows you to pursue your college education full-time while serving on active duty. Your tuition is completely covered and you're provided with a living stipend.
However, keep in mind that these programs are highly sought after and quite competitive. Depending on your academic history, you might need to undertake some preparatory courses to meet the eligibility criteria.
It's also important to remember that both the ROTC scholarship programs and the ECP come with a service commitment. So, before you decide to join, be prepared to serve for a certain period upon completion of the program.
I hope this information is beneficial to you. I wish you all the very best in your endeavors!
Warm regards,
Lauren
Adding to the insightful suggestions from Ryan and David, there's another excellent opportunity for you - the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP). This program allows you to pursue your college education full-time while serving on active duty. Your tuition is completely covered and you're provided with a living stipend.
However, keep in mind that these programs are highly sought after and quite competitive. Depending on your academic history, you might need to undertake some preparatory courses to meet the eligibility criteria.
It's also important to remember that both the ROTC scholarship programs and the ECP come with a service commitment. So, before you decide to join, be prepared to serve for a certain period upon completion of the program.
I hope this information is beneficial to you. I wish you all the very best in your endeavors!
Warm regards,
Lauren
Michael Hampton
Sales Chat Platform Strategy Manager
3
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Also find out what is available from your State. Many states offer assistance and money for Military members fro their state.
You can reach out to your state's Veteran groups to find out what is offered. For example, Texas offers the Hazlewood Act that is state funded and helps Veterans and their families attend state colleges.
You can reach out to your state's Veteran groups to find out what is offered. For example, Texas offers the Hazlewood Act that is state funded and helps Veterans and their families attend state colleges.
George Katsinis Jr. - AFC®
Personal Financial Counselor
45
Answers
Salem, Oregon
Updated
George’s Answer
Talk with a recruiter.