Paying for College
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Ninety percent of servicemembers enter the armed forces for the educational benefits. However, only 50 percent actually use their educational benefits. Here are some compelling reasons why military personnel should seriously consider continuing their education (source: The College Board):

• Those people with high school diplomas have a median annual income of $32,200; those with bachelor's degrees earn $64,800. A college graduate earns 45 percent more than a high school graduate.



• Your military experience may have earned you college credit. The American Council on Education (ACE) has established guidelines for evaluating military credit. It is important that you find out if the college you want to attend will award military credit. (See below.)



• Continuing education is more flexible than ever. Thirty years ago going to college part time was the exception today it is the rule. More than 60 percent of today's college students are part-time students, and 10 percent of all college students take online courses. Online education is becoming the wave of the future. The Internet is providing a virtual classroom to servicemembers on Navy ships in the middle of the Pacific to those on the ground in war zones. A survey conducted by Opinion Research Corp. revealed that 54 percent of working adults believe that college courses offered via the Internet are the future of higher education.

Although the GI Bill provides money for education after you leave the service, you still can pursue your education while serving in the armed forces.

Tuition Assistance Program
The Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Program is a benefit paid to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has authorized each service to pay up to 100 percent of the tuition expenses of its members.

• Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. TA money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.



• Additionally, active-duty members may elect to use the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) "top-up" in addition to their service-provided TA to cover high-cost courses.



• TA is not a loan; is money you have earned, just like your base pay.

Follow the links for your particular service and start taking advantage of this opportunity.

• Air Force
• Army
• Navy
• Marines
• Coast Guard
• Reserve

Credit for your Military Experience
Your military service likely has earned you college credit. Many schools and colleges award military students credit toward a degree based on training, coursework, and occupational specialty.

Officers' Benefits for Education
Junior officers and enlisted technicians with master's degrees are some of the most sought-after employees by corporate America. Over a lifetime, individuals with master's degrees earn 46 percent more than those with undergraduate degrees.