Military first, college later

Branches

The U.S. Armed Forces offer several programs to provide students with money for school. Students can choose to serve in the military first and attend college after, or attend college first and serve later.

Students who choose to serve in the military first can receive, depending on the program, up to $50,000 toward school expenses in return for an active duty tour. Or, students can serve part-time in the Reserves and receive up to $24,000 in return for a commitment of one weekend a month and two weeks a year for training.

College first, military later

ROTC

Students can also elect to attend college first. Students who participate in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) can be eligible for merit-based scholarships in return for a post-graduation commitment of three or four years, depending on the branch of service.

Military academies

In addition, students receiving a Congressional appointment to one of the military academies, the federal government will pay 100% of the costs at a U.S. military academy such as those at West Point and Annapolis. These competitive appointments consist of full four-year scholarships, supplemental paychecks, four-year degrees, and a guaranteed job after graduation. In return, students serve as a full-time member of the military during school and must commit to five years of service after graduation.