6 answers
Lillian
Student
Riverside, California
1
Question
Updated
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How does the military set an individual up to make college a reality?
I am a high school senior planning to enlist in the Air Force, and I want more information on how I can utilize my benefits and timeline to enter college.
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6 answers
Ryan Pfeiffer, MA
Firefighter Lieutenant / EMT
117
Answers
Fort Collins, Colorado
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hello Lillian. One benefit is the CCAF (Community College of the Air Force), which I believe will award you some credit for your required military training (Basic, Tech School, Airman Leadership School, etc.). What requirements aren't covered by training can be completed relatively quickly through online study. To the best of my knowledge, it's all free.
If you're looking to take the next step after CCAF (Associates Degree), or you want to go straight to a different more traditional school, you can apply for Tuition Assistance. It's been almost 10-years since I used TA so I may be fuzzy on the details but in a nutshell you can apply for and receive a few hundred or a few thousand dollars per year towards outside schooling. Unfortunately each semester you use TA results in a 2-year service commitment (they can overlap). Many schools offer military discounts, and some of these schools' discounts make tuition 100% covered by tuition assistance. Some of these schools offer veteran discounts too, so that may be a benefit that follows you for life.
It's pretty uncommon, but after a few years of enlisted service you may be able to apply to the US Air Force Academy, or become a reserve and participate in an Air Force ROTC program. I know very little about this process or requirements but I know its possible because I had prior enlisted cadets in my ROTC detachment, and I've seen prior enlisted cadets at the Academy.
Because I was on an Air Force ROTC scholarship I actually didn't qualify for the GI Bill so I'm not an expert on it, but in a nutshell you get a lifetime allotment of funds you can use to go to school (not only tuition but also a living stipend as well I believe). The GI Bill is also transferable to your children if you want, so if you get all the degrees you want while you're still on active duty, you can save the GI Bill for your kids.
Lots of opportunities! The Air Force paid for basically my entire Bachelors and Masters degrees. I hope that helps. Good luck to you.
If you're looking to take the next step after CCAF (Associates Degree), or you want to go straight to a different more traditional school, you can apply for Tuition Assistance. It's been almost 10-years since I used TA so I may be fuzzy on the details but in a nutshell you can apply for and receive a few hundred or a few thousand dollars per year towards outside schooling. Unfortunately each semester you use TA results in a 2-year service commitment (they can overlap). Many schools offer military discounts, and some of these schools' discounts make tuition 100% covered by tuition assistance. Some of these schools offer veteran discounts too, so that may be a benefit that follows you for life.
It's pretty uncommon, but after a few years of enlisted service you may be able to apply to the US Air Force Academy, or become a reserve and participate in an Air Force ROTC program. I know very little about this process or requirements but I know its possible because I had prior enlisted cadets in my ROTC detachment, and I've seen prior enlisted cadets at the Academy.
Because I was on an Air Force ROTC scholarship I actually didn't qualify for the GI Bill so I'm not an expert on it, but in a nutshell you get a lifetime allotment of funds you can use to go to school (not only tuition but also a living stipend as well I believe). The GI Bill is also transferable to your children if you want, so if you get all the degrees you want while you're still on active duty, you can save the GI Bill for your kids.
Lots of opportunities! The Air Force paid for basically my entire Bachelors and Masters degrees. I hope that helps. Good luck to you.
Lance Oliver
Retired Systems Engineering Manager
30
Answers
Updated
Lance’s Answer
You've got a great plan for your future! The Air Force, like other military branches, offers amazing opportunities to help you reach your education goals. Once you finish your initial training, you'll have access to several programs:
- GI Bill
- Tuition Assistance
- Green-to-Gold (though it might have a different name in other branches)
The GI Bill is a popular benefit that helps with tuition, books, and even housing costs based on your school's location. Many service members use this to go to college later. Your recruiter can explain the details, like service requirements and discharge conditions. Plenty of online resources are also available to guide you.
Tuition Assistance is another option. While on Active Duty, you can have your tuition covered. Your job might affect when you can take classes, but there will be time during your service. You need to apply before each term and keep a certain GPA to avoid repaying the assistance.
The Green-to-Gold program lets selected personnel attend college full-time with the goal of becoming an officer after graduation. This involves pausing your initial enlistment and committing to new obligations after college. It's a great path for those who qualify and compete for these spots.
Each program has its pros and cons, which you'll understand better as you learn more about life in the Air Force. If getting a degree is your goal, there are many ways to achieve it. Talk to people who have used these programs, like family or friends, and keep in touch with your recruiter. They're there to answer your questions and ensure you have all the information you need to succeed.
- GI Bill
- Tuition Assistance
- Green-to-Gold (though it might have a different name in other branches)
The GI Bill is a popular benefit that helps with tuition, books, and even housing costs based on your school's location. Many service members use this to go to college later. Your recruiter can explain the details, like service requirements and discharge conditions. Plenty of online resources are also available to guide you.
Tuition Assistance is another option. While on Active Duty, you can have your tuition covered. Your job might affect when you can take classes, but there will be time during your service. You need to apply before each term and keep a certain GPA to avoid repaying the assistance.
The Green-to-Gold program lets selected personnel attend college full-time with the goal of becoming an officer after graduation. This involves pausing your initial enlistment and committing to new obligations after college. It's a great path for those who qualify and compete for these spots.
Each program has its pros and cons, which you'll understand better as you learn more about life in the Air Force. If getting a degree is your goal, there are many ways to achieve it. Talk to people who have used these programs, like family or friends, and keep in touch with your recruiter. They're there to answer your questions and ensure you have all the information you need to succeed.
Kimberly Krebs
Corporate Security Manager
89
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
The answers above are really helpful. I want to add that you might be able to take classes while serving in the military, and they will cover the costs. This is different from the GI Bill. It can be challenging if you're deployed, but it's possible. The military opened many doors for me and gave me a big advantage when I was looking for a job after separating. Serving is a wonderful way to help your country and your future. Good luck!
Sabrina Taylor
Senior Project Manager
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sabrina’s Answer
Lance had a great answer above. The only thing I wanted to add is that the AF has an online Community College and University (CCAF and Air University). These schools are uniquely suited to provide college credits for military training!
M. .
Sales Representative
1
Answer
Sacramento, California
Updated
M.’s Answer
To add onto the above answers, I also suggest using Tuition Assistance (TA), as you get $4,500 every fiscal year!
After you leave Basic Training in San Antonio, you will go to your specific job training, and from there will gain your first duty assignment. Once you get to your duty assignment, you should expect to stay there for at least a couple years (hopefully), and accomplish a lot of on-the-job training within the first 6-12 months. After that, you should be available to begin utilizing TA for whatever degree path you decide on.
As Ryan said above, the Community College of the Air Force will give you college credit for training requirements that you will fulfill during on-the-job training and other courses, with some jobs even giving you close to the required hours for an associate's degree. One thing that I would like to change about his information though is that there is no additional service commitment for enlisted members utilizing TA, so you don't have to worry about staying in for longer than you may want to just to finish school.
I would suggest talking to your supervisor at your first duty station about wanting to start school as soon as your training is done and taking at least one class at a time while you chip away at your undergraduate requirements. I was able to get my bachelor's degree and not have to pay for a single cent out of pocket.
After you leave Basic Training in San Antonio, you will go to your specific job training, and from there will gain your first duty assignment. Once you get to your duty assignment, you should expect to stay there for at least a couple years (hopefully), and accomplish a lot of on-the-job training within the first 6-12 months. After that, you should be available to begin utilizing TA for whatever degree path you decide on.
As Ryan said above, the Community College of the Air Force will give you college credit for training requirements that you will fulfill during on-the-job training and other courses, with some jobs even giving you close to the required hours for an associate's degree. One thing that I would like to change about his information though is that there is no additional service commitment for enlisted members utilizing TA, so you don't have to worry about staying in for longer than you may want to just to finish school.
I would suggest talking to your supervisor at your first duty station about wanting to start school as soon as your training is done and taking at least one class at a time while you chip away at your undergraduate requirements. I was able to get my bachelor's degree and not have to pay for a single cent out of pocket.
Zachary Weeks
Electronics Technician
6
Answers
Placerville, California
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
Hi Lillian,
I'm in the U.S. Navy and working on my Bachelor's in Applied Technology. Life in the military is tough and demanding, but it comes with great benefits.
Depending on your military job, you might earn ACE credits for your training. For example, as an Electronics Technician in the Navy, I had about 1-2 years of technical training. When I started my degree at a college that accepted ACE credits, I already had 80 out of 120 credits needed for a Bachelor's. This may not be the case for everyone, but I was lucky that my Navy training matched well with my degree.
While on Active Duty, you can get Tuition Assistance. In the Navy, you qualify after two years of service if you've met your job requirements. After that, your classes can be reimbursed, but there are limits per quarter, year, and lifetime. Since you’ll be working full-time, it’s best to take 2 or 3 classes at a time.
You’ll also have access to the GI Bill once you decide to use it. It's better to save it for later since you'll have Tuition Assistance while in service.
Some states offer a "state GI bill" or scholarships separate from the federal one you earn from the military.
Hope this helps!
I'm in the U.S. Navy and working on my Bachelor's in Applied Technology. Life in the military is tough and demanding, but it comes with great benefits.
Depending on your military job, you might earn ACE credits for your training. For example, as an Electronics Technician in the Navy, I had about 1-2 years of technical training. When I started my degree at a college that accepted ACE credits, I already had 80 out of 120 credits needed for a Bachelor's. This may not be the case for everyone, but I was lucky that my Navy training matched well with my degree.
While on Active Duty, you can get Tuition Assistance. In the Navy, you qualify after two years of service if you've met your job requirements. After that, your classes can be reimbursed, but there are limits per quarter, year, and lifetime. Since you’ll be working full-time, it’s best to take 2 or 3 classes at a time.
You’ll also have access to the GI Bill once you decide to use it. It's better to save it for later since you'll have Tuition Assistance while in service.
Some states offer a "state GI bill" or scholarships separate from the federal one you earn from the military.
Hope this helps!