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If you plan to continue your education, but would also like to enlist in the military, you can help further your educational goals this way. 

Each branch of the military (Air Force, Navy, Marines, Army, Coast Guard) has their own individual rules and regulations when it comes to military scholarships. 

You’ll need to research the branch of the military you’re planning to join, and see what they offer to recruits who would like to pursue higher education. 

If you are planning on joining the military, it’s a good idea to speak with a recruiter from each branch to see what resources they offer to prospective college students who enlist. 

Recruiters can be an excellent source of information and should point you in the right direction so you can research your military scholarship options. 

Certain programs offer various benefits, including medical coverage, full tuition, and a monthly allowance. However, not all service academies offer these benefits and the ones that do are typically fiercely competitive. 

Whether you are already serving the government in some way and would like to join a service academy, or you plan to enroll in the military once you graduate high school, it’s a good idea to research your options thoroughly. 

The following tips and hints will guide you through the basics of military scholarships, who to talk to, and which programs/branches offer which benefits. 

There are even scholarships for people who are family members of others who have served in the military as well.

Army Scholarships

 

The Army ROTC Four-Year Scholarship offers high school students the chance to apply for a four-year college scholarship. The scholarship is also open to students who are not in high school, but plan to attend a four-year college. 

In order to qualify, students must be between the ages of 17 and 26 and a United States citizen. You should have a high school GPA of at least 2.50 and have a high school diploma or GED. 

You must have a minimum SAT score of 920, or an ACT score of 19. These scholarships are very competitive, so the recommended SAT or ACT score is 1100 or 24, respectively. 

Finally, you must be able to meet a physical exam test and agree to serve on active duty in the Army or in a Reserve Component (Army Reserve or Army National Guard.)

Interested applicants can apply online for this scholarship. 

Students who are already in college can also apply for various college scholarships from the Army, ranging from a four-year, to a three-year or a two-year scholarship. For more information about these, please visit their website.

Navy Scholarships

 

If you plan to enlist in the Navy, there are a variety of scholarships offered to help recruits pursue a college degree. 

The Navy stresses the importance of a quality education, and just because you choose to enlist in the Navy does not mean your chances of obtaining a college diploma are gone. In fact, joining the Navy (or any branch of the military) can be the best option for you to pursue higher education! 

The United States Navy offers a variety of programs to help recruits attend college. The Naval Reserves Officers Training Corp (NROTC) gives students who have not yet attended college the chance to earn a competitive scholarship to help pay their tuition expenses. 

After you are awarded a scholarship, you can choose from a participating college, graduate and be commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy in exchange. 

There are also other opportunities the United States Navy offer for college and high school students. Please visit their website for further details.

Coast Guard Scholarships

 

If you’d like to join the United States Coast Guard, the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) offers an excellent opportunity for college sophomores who wish to pursue their education. 

The program offers invaluable hands-on training in such skills as law enforcement, navigation and marine science, as well as leadership and management skills. 

Students will also be guaranteed training at Officer Candidate School (OCS) and are required to fulfill all college and training requirements if they receive a scholarship. 

The scholarship pays complete tuition and books and fees for two years. Additionally, scholarship recipients will receive a monthly allowance of around $2,000, medical and life insurance as well as leadership training and 30 days paid vacation per year. 

For additional eligibility requirements and to see if your school qualifies for this coast guard program, please visit the website linked above for more information.

Air Force Scholarships

 

Joining the United States Air Force does not mean you cannot pursue higher education. In fact, the U.S. Air Force offers financial assistance to help you achieve your higher education goals. 

They offer scholarships to high school students, students who are already in college and already enlisted members of the Air Force.  

With so many options available, there are bound to be opportunities that you are eligible for. 

Air Force scholarships can help recruits with tuition costs, books and other fees associated with college. They can also help with additional spending money as well, and may include other benefits such as medical or life insurance. 

For more information, please visit their website and click on the link appropriate to your situation. 

There are different eligibility requirements and criteria for each type of scholarship. Please be sure to read all information carefully before applying.

Additional Resources

 

There are many additional resources for those looking for military scholarships. The Marine Corps offer scholarship to both potential recruits as well as those who have had family members that served in the military. 

Most of the branches of the United States Military offer several opportunities for students who wish to enlist, but would also like to pursue a college education. 

If you are interested in joining the military but also obtaining a college diploma, the scholarship programs offered by each branch of the military are something worth considering. 

Speak with a high school guidance counselor or a recruiter from the branch of the military you are interested in joining for more information about scholarship opportunities.