Back just after the military draft fell out of fashion, the military decided to offer college tuition in exchange for service to one's country. The rules were very clear: serve two to four years, and get all or almost all of your college tuition paid for on G.I. bill. The only catch is that you have to stay alive while serving or the tuition package is null and void.
Things have changed a lot since then. Now college-bound kids can serve in the reserves one or two weekends a month, and still go to school every day during the school weeks when college is in session. R.O.T.C. bills provide similar tuition coverage for lengthier terms of service beyond every other weekend. Here are a few other options that have developed in the last ten or twenty years to help young adults, male and female, get a degree while serving in a branch of the military.
Military Training Becomes College Credits
Programs of all kinds have been granting college credits in exchange for life and work experience. The military began taking advantage of this unique approach not too long ago. You train in any number of programs to serve your country, and the training you receive to complete your tours of duty is translated into work experience credits for college credits. Coding, drone operation, flight simulation, etc., are all examples of how military training becomes credit toward degreed programs for engineering, aviation, etc.
Attending College While Away on Tour
An online university for military personnel allows soldiers to complete college courses at their own pace during their off-duty hours while on tour in a foreign country. Completion of the courses is recorded via the graded tests in the courses, and by the soldier's commanding officer. This two-for-one approach to earning a degree and serving one's country has become very popular lately, and it also seems to give soldiers direction with their careers when they quit the service and return to civilian life.
West Point and Other Military Colleges
These schools have traditionally been establishments of higher education and training for the purpose of training officers. However, these military colleges have added new degree programs over the years. Students who are accepted to these colleges do not have to accept military positions, but most do given that they are offered high-paying careers after completing their education at these colleges in exceptional programs.
For more information, look into colleges like University of Maryland University College.
With winter weather settling in, it's time for high school seniors to start thinking about college admissions, campus tours, and freshman year preparations. The college transition is a major one and one that you should not take lightly. If you have a child who is getting ready to start college, this blog is just what you need. We will cover all things college that will help incoming freshmen students to prepare, including what to bring to school, how to organize the dorm room, and the tips and tricks to make college life easier while you adapt. Check back regularly for more tips as we find other great ideas.