Military Higher Education Hub
Updated March 17, 2025 · 4 Min Read
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The military can help you go to college, but it's up to you to take advantage of all the benefits you earned from your service. This guide can help active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents find the right resources to navigate the complexities of military-connected education resources and benefits. You can also find information on top career pathways for veterans.
Navigate our site's resources using the links below to help you make informed decisions about your educational future.
Paying for College With Military Education Benefits
The GI Bill isn't the only funding source available for military-affiliated students. You can also apply for need-based federal aid, such as the Pell Grant, and private scholarships available to service members or their families. Explore the pages linked below to learn more about how you can pay for college or graduate school.
Guide to GI Bill Benefits
Start with this article if you want to go to college on the GI Bill. You can find out what the GI Bill covers, whether you are eligible, and how to apply for benefits. We also detail several common mistakes people make using the GI Bill and how to avoid them.
GI Bill Transfer Benefits
You can transfer your GI Bill benefits to your spouse or children, helping your entire family pay for college. Explore the possibility of transferring your benefits, including who can qualify to receive them and what steps to take if you believe this is the right choice for you.
Forever GI Bill FAQ
Do you have questions about the Forever GI Bill? We have answers. Learn how the Forever GI Bill changed military education benefits, how these modifications may affect you, and what this bill could mean for your dependents.
Veterans Guide to Paying for College
Maximize your veterans' benefits along with need-based, merit-based, and other financial assistance to help you get through college quickly and affordably. We also provide details on how to apply for grants and scholarships.
Scholarships for Military and Dependents
You and your family may be able to access private funds for college in addition to the GI Bill, Pell Grant, and other federal aid. Learn more about which scholarships are available to military members and their dependents and how to apply for the best-fit funds for you.
Choosing the Right Military-Friendly College
A military-friendly college helps veterans, service members, and their families transition from the military to civilian life with generous financial aid packages, academic assistance, and social support. The articles below help you evaluate top colleges for military service members and veterans based on criteria like flexibility, accreditation, and military support services.
Career and Vocational Training for Veterans
Once your military service ends, you may be looking to join the American workforce. Vocational training, apprenticeships, and online business degrees can all give you a leg up in your job search. Use the links below to explore the post-military career pathways and training programs available for veterans.
Careers for Veterans
Military service can be a boon to your civilian career if you transition well. Discover the best ways to translate your military skills into civilian jobs, which companies are committed to hiring vets, and what resources might help you land your dream job.
Vocational Trade Schools for Veterans
Going into the trades can lead to a lucrative and rewarding career in carpentry, automotive mechanics, plumbing, dental hygiene, medical sonography, or another practical field. Learn more about transitioning from the military to the workforce on this page.
How to Use Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation for College Training
If you were discharged with a service-related disability, you may qualify for Veteran Readiness and Employment aid. Learn how this program can help you pay for college, including covering your housing expenses while in school.
Online MBA for Veterans
An MBA can mean a higher salary and getting on track to a leadership position in a company or nonprofit organization. Find out more about the best online MBA programs for veterans and whether an MBA could be a good fit for your professional goals.
Other Military Education Resources
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is your one-stop shop for up-to-date and accurate information about all the benefits you can receive as a service member, veteran, or dependent.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you qualify for Pell Grants or other federal financial assistance unrelated to your military benefits. Pell Grants can help cover living costs while you're in school.
Find out more about the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance (TA) Program, including which schools participate in this initiative. You may be able to stretch your aid dollars further by enrolling at a participating institution.
This Department of Defense website offers extensive information to military personnel and their families, including facts about the GI Bill and links to the application. You can also learn about military spouse education and career opportunities.
DANTES is the place to go if you hope to get college credit for CLEP, DSST tests, or military experiences. The program can help you prepare for college or accrue credits without enrolling in academic courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the military pay for 100% of college?
While no service member is guaranteed 100% free college, you might be able to fully fund your four-year degree by being smart with your military benefits. For example, the GI Bill pays $250 per credit, so you could pay nothing for tuition by attending a military-friendly college that charges $250 per credit.
How long do you have to be in the military to get college benefits?
To qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you must have served on active duty for at least 90 days after September 10, 2001. You can also qualify if you served for at least 30 continuous days before September 10, 2001, and were discharged because of a service-connected disability or received a Purple Heart after September 10, 2001.
Which military branch has the best college benefits?
All branches of the military can qualify you to receive the Forever GI Bill and other federal financial aid programs created for service members and veterans. However, the U.S. Air Force also maintains the Community College of the Air Force, which automatically enrolls every enlisted member. You start earning your associate degree as soon as you finish basic training.
Does the military pay for housing while in college?
You may qualify for a monthly housing allowance (MHA) while in college if you are not on active duty, are in school more than part-time, and are not on break. Students taking online courses receive an MHA prorated according to their eligibility tier and how many credits they're taking. On-campus learners get an MHA based on their school's zip code.
Do military spouses get free college?
No military spouse is guaranteed free college. However, you can receive discounts at some military-friendly colleges, transfer benefits from the Forever GI Bill, and win scholarships from private organizations. If you want job training instead of a four-year degree, consider exploring the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship, which provides $4,000 toward licensure, certification, or an associate degree.
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