Military paying for College

[oakash]

So, I've decided that I would really like to join the military in one way or another. My dad has been really insistent on me getting a sports scholarship to pay for college, because we don't have a lot of money. I wouldn't mind, but if nothing pans out, then I think I'll try for the military. I've always wanted too, and I'm pretty sure my parents would highly disapprove because they convinced my older sister to not try and join the Marines, because it wasn't a place for a 'lady.'

I've always had the higest respects for our military, and instead of just admiring them, I want to join. So, what do you guys know about the different military branches paying for college? I've done a little research, but you guys are so diverse on here I figured some of you might have some really good information. Like detailed information about that it requires, what schools are best, blah blah blah.

 

[Dakotah]

I really have nothing on the school aspect but if you want to join, then do it. But make sure its for the right reasons.

I have heard from military friends of mine that knew people in basic training/boot camp that just went for the college/money and they either didn't make it through basic/boot, or if they did make it through that, they didn't make it through their job training schools.

I would never tell someone to just join for the benefits or the college. Because once you get in, you will be sadly heartbroken.

But if it is something you TRULY want to do, I say go for it.
I am in the process of getting things started myself.

My mom disapproves but she supports me. Hopefully your parents will come around too.

As far the Marines, or any branch for that matter, not being a place for a lady, well there are plenty of women who can disagree
Read Band Of Sisters, for example. I hate reading but this book is amazing and gives you a bit of a POV from women in the military who have been to war.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Backward_Cinderella]

GI bill is a lifesaver. I'm using a combination of the GI and MYCAA to pay for college. MYCAA is paying for my veterinary assistance school right now and I plan on using my GI to pay for my veterinary school (or at least part of it). Keep in mind there is a program for soldiers currently serving where the military pays and it doesn't touch your GI bill. Your GI is also only good for ten years from your date of separation.

ETA:
I didn't want to join the military to be a "lady" I wanted to join the military to be a soldier. "Ladies" don't go very far. Parade Pretty gets you nowhere but trouble and other females will dislike what they'll call "little girls pretending to be soldiers" *shrug* Just my experience. Never was a "lady" while in service but I saw plenty of them get ridiculed because they cried when they broke a nail.

 

[Pops2]

there are a couple of ways to use the military for college. the GI bill is best used after you get out. while you're in you can use tuition assistance. you can also get credit for military training & take CLEP tests for free.
benefits are the same across the board, so the best branch for you depends on what else you seek to get out of your service.

 

[Dakotah]

Never was a "lady" while in service but I saw plenty of them get ridiculed because they cried when they broke a nail.

Good thing I don't have nails lol
But you made a good point about the whole lady thing.

 

[oakash]

Oh I am not a 'lady.'

My feet are usually as tough as nails, and while my nails are long, its because I'm too lazy to cut them, and I generally just rip 'em off when they're too long to play sports. I've always wanted to join the military, the paying for college part is pretty much just to get my parents on board as well. They tend to be more conservative Christians, hence the whole 'not a lady like thing'

I remember seeing a woman marine, and being so in awed by her presence and her attitude. I didn't even talk to her for more then a couple minutes, but she was awesome. I know I've said this before, but I've always felt that the military was where I needed to be. Every single song I hear gets me wishing I could be over there to help out.

So the GI bill is used after you've served several years? What do you know about the national guard benefits?

 

[CaliTerp07]

Have you looked into ROTC? That would allow you to go in as an officer, after you have your degree.

 

[Dakotah]

Oh I am not a 'lady.'

My feet are usually as tough as nails, and while my nails are long, its because I'm too lazy to cut them, and I generally just rip 'em off when they're too long to play sports. I've always wanted to join the military, the paying for college part is pretty much just to get my parents on board as well. They tend to be more conservative Christians, hence the whole 'not a lady like thing'

I remember seeing a woman marine, and being so in awed by her presence and her attitude. I didn't even talk to her for more then a couple minutes, but she was awesome. I know I've said this before, but I've always felt that the military was where I needed to be. Every single song I hear gets me wishing I could be over there to help out.

So the GI bill is used after you've served several years? What do you know about the national guard benefits?

Your pride & passion, and you feeling that the military is where you NEED to be, sounds so much like me it tickles me silly (I mean that in a good way lol)

 

[momto8]

We were military for over 9 yrs and my husband now uses his GI Bill to pay for college and personally I think it is a wonderful thing, but we loved our military life and were very sad that he could not continue with active duty

 

[joce]

Here if you get a certain grade point average the school or state pays most of your way. What are your grades like? My brother did that and then joined and that put him up farther?

I know people that joined for school and it didn't work out though. Think it pays more if you see combat someone told me?

 

[Pops2]

GI bill is the same across the board except the post 9-11 pays a living expense stipend UNLESS you're active duty when you use it. you CAN use it while active but it doesn't maximize your benefit doing so, especially since there are other programs for active duty. guard benefits vary by state. ROTC is extremely competitive even during a good economy. back then there was an average of ten applicants for every ROTC scholarship available. if you meet the age & test requirements there are slots at the academies set aside for active duty personnel.
IF college is your primary goal taylor your choice of service & job to meet that goal.

 

[Psyfalcon]

If you really need the money, then need based grants should work.

ROTC might be easier than a scholarship in sports, especially if you don't play basketball. The NCAA restricts scholarships by sport and schools don't like giving them to sports that don't turn a profit. One site said there might only be 10,000 scholorships of any kind in track between men and women. Other sports can have even fewer... same site said rowing has 3000 total, and those aren't going to be full rides.