Debunking the Myths: What Military Life and Education Benefits Really Look Like

Portrayals of military life can distort people’s perceptions, whether they’re considering enlisting, supporting a loved one in service, or simply forming opinions about our government and armed forces. These myths include both overly positive and overly negative stereotypes, and it’s important to get the facts straight.

What Myths About Military Life Are There?

Here are a few of the most common myths about military life, debunked:

Myth: Military service is synonymous with danger and hardship. 

Fact: While military service can involve high-risk situations, not every job is dangerous. Many roles in fields like administration, healthcare, and engineering are comparable to civilian careers and involve minimal direct exposure to danger. 

Myth: Military training doesn’t apply to civilian life.

Fact: Nearly all the roles in the U.S. Armed Forces have civilian equivalents. In addition, all roles train individuals in leadership skills, and many develop other highly valuable and transferable skills as well.

Myth: If you join the military right after high school, you’ll never be able to go to college. 

Fact: Many individuals who become service members intend to earn a college degree, and the military has multiple programs that provide assistance with college costs. In addition, some branches (such as the Air Force) also offer voluntary education courses, many of which are college-accredited. 

Myth: The military pays for all higher education costs.

Fact: One of the most common myths about the military concerns its tuition assistance programs. While the military offers robust educational benefits, not all expenses are fully covered. The extent of support a service member is eligible for depends on several factors, including which branch of the armed forces they join.

Given that covering some or all of higher education costs is a major benefit that young people may factor heavily into the equation when they consider a career in the military, it’s well worth clarifying some of the facts about it.

Does the Military Pay for College?

The military does offer significant educational benefits for service members and veterans, but they aren't unlimited. Programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and Military Tuition Assistance program  are designed to help active-duty service members, veterans, and their families cover college costs. 

However, these programs have specific eligibility criteria, benefit limits, and restrictions. Here are some examples:

• Not all service members qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Some branches may provide more or less assistance depending on the role, rank and duration of service

• Tuition assistance often has upper limits

• Many educational assistance programs offer partial coverage of college expenses rather than full payment

• There is no single convenient program that covers all higher education costs; some service members will need to research eligibility criteria and apply for multiple programs, each with its own stipulations

This doesn't mean the military isn't a great path for those seeking a college degree; it just means service members need to plan their education path carefully and may still need to explore other financial aid options, such as scholarships or federal student loans.

How Much Does the Military Pay for College?

Now that we’ve debunked the myth that the military covers all college costs, it's important to understand how much support service members can realistically expect.

• Military Tuition Assistance. For active-duty personnel, Military Tuition Assistance is one of the primary sources of funding for education. This program typically covers up to $250 per credit hour, with an annual cap of $4,500 per fiscal year. It does not cover other costs associated with education, such as textbooks, technology fees, or supplies.

• Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is another popular program that offers extensive benefits to service members who have served for at least 90 days since September 11, 2001. For those eligible, this bill can cover up to 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public, in-state colleges and universities, along with a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for textbooks. The benefit can also partly cover tuition and fees at private and international institutions.

• Montgomery GI Bill. The Montgomery GI Bill requires service members to pay into the program while enlisted. Those who contribute $1,200 over their first year of service are eligible for monthly benefits to help pay for college, technical training, or apprenticeships. 

• Other financial options. Service members can take advantage of scholarships and grants that may be available through military-specific programs, state initiatives, or private nonprofit organizations.

Do Military Children Get College Paid For?

Apart from limited provisions in programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the military largely does not extend coverage of education costs to the children of those in the armed forces. This makes it all the more vital that college-bound military dependents are diligent about seeking out smart ways to pay for college, including applying for scholarships.

Military life is full of opportunities and challenges, but myths surrounding service can paint an incomplete picture. By understanding the nuances of military benefits like those that cover higher education costs and how much they offer, service members and their families can make informed decisions about their educational goals.

Get Help Paying for College With MC-LEF

Since its creation in 1995, the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF) has offered educational funding to the children of fallen military service members. Thanks to our generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty as a federal law enforcement agent, a member of the United States Marine Corps, or a Navy Corpsman. To date, MC-LEF has awarded over $93 million in educational accounts and other humanitarian assistance to over 5,900 recipients. Contact us to learn more!

All MC-LEF officers and board members are volunteers; we have only one paid employee. We pride ourselves on running our organization as cost-effectively as possible so that the vast majority of our donor funds can be used to accomplish our mission of educating the children of those who sacrificed all. Please consider donating today!