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Why Higher Education Matters for Military Students

Veterans with degrees tend to have lower unemployment rates than nonveterans, suggesting that once they land a job, they’re more likely to keep it. And the more education a veteran has, the better their chances in the job market.

"In the labor force" means someone is either working or actively looking for a job. While the data includes people not seeking work (like retirees or full-time students), it still clearly shows that higher education leads to stronger employment outcomes.

Does The Military Pay For College?

Understanding Military Education Benefits

Pursuing higher education is a significant investment, but service members, veterans, and their families have access to extensive educational benefits. Understanding how to fully leverage these benefits is key to making the most of your opportunities. 

Nearly all veterans have a high school diploma, and many pursue college, with associate degrees being especially common. 

Tuition help is extensive: active-duty members can receive up to through Tuition Assistance, which is approved for 87% of GI Bill® recipients*. Meanwhile, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program offer even broader coverage for both public and private schools.

According to recent BLS data, nearly all veterans have earned at least a high school diploma, and about two-thirds have pursued some form of postsecondary education. Veterans are more likely than nonveterans to hold an associate degree, although slightly less likely to complete a bachelor’s. 

You can also fast-track your educational progress and earn college credit by exam through CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests). These are standardized tests that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge in subjects like math, history, or business, without taking the actual course. If you pass, you earn college credits that count toward your degree, potentially saving time and tuition. Both exams are widely accepted by colleges and are often free for active-duty military members through DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support).

How Tuition Assistance Works in Each Military Branch

While the Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance to service members , each has specific policies:​

Since requirements vary, check with your branch’s education office for details.

Additional Financial Aid & Scholarships

Military families aren’t limited to just VA benefits — there’s more help out there. Start by filling out the FAFSA to unlock federal grants, loans, and work-study options. State programs often offer tuition waivers or scholarships for veterans and their dependents. Plus, military-focused scholarships from nonprofits and private organizations can further cut costs.

Hidden Barriers to Military Student Success

Despite these benefits, navigating military education aid isn’t always straightforward. 

A found that many service members join the military for funding their higher education, but delays and inconsistent school policies often leave them having to cover tuition upfront or struggling with unclear reimbursement timelines. Some even delayed school in favor of deployment to qualify for the GI Bill, highlighting the need for better coordination between military funding and academic institutions.

Despite access to GI Bill funding and other military education benefits, military-connected students often have lower graduation rates than other students. A found that the graduation rate for military-connected students at community colleges was only 7% — far lower than the national average of 41.2% and previous military student rates of 54%. This could mean that traditional academic settings may not fully accommodate their learning styles or life responsibilities.

The rise of military-friendly online colleges has made it easier than ever to balance coursework with service commitments. The best online schools for military students are designed to accommodate military obligations, offering flexible schedules, generous transfer credit policies, and financial aid options like tuition assistance and the GI Bill. But while online learning offers accessibility, it also comes with challenges, such as the lack of social connection and limited understanding from faculty about military-specific needs.

Lessons from a Coast Guard Commander: How I Earned My Online Degree on Active Duty

Many service members have successfully earned degrees while on active duty, using their education to transition into fulfilling post-military careers. Here's some advice from a commander who was successful:

Commander, U.S. Coast Guard

David has over a decade of leadership experience in maritime operations. He has served as Commanding Officer in the Arabian Gulf and Liaison Officer to the U.S. Navy's Third Fleet. Smith holds a master’s degree in national security and resource strategy from the Eisenhower School at National Defense University, as well as an MPA from Roger Williams University.

1. What challenges did you face while earning a degree in the military?

I began my Master of Public Administration while serving as a Lieutenant stationed on the Great Lakes. At the time, I was assigned to a demanding schedule with twelve hours on and twelve hours off. I initially enrolled in two courses per semester, but I quickly learned that this pace was too aggressive given the requirements of my military role. I scaled back to one course per semester, which allowed me to manage both responsibilities more effectively. 

My academic journey was further delayed when I became the Commanding Officer of a patrol boat in Bahrain. During this assignment, I had to temporarily pause my studies. Fortunately, my professors provided the flexibility I needed to complete assignments on my own schedule. 

Although the program took eight years to complete, the slower pace gave me time to reflect on what I was learning and to apply it directly to my career in the Coast Guard. That deeper level of engagement made the experience worthwhile.

2. What are the best strategies for maximizing military education benefits?

The first step is to understand the demands of your job and how they align with your academic program. Communicating clearly and early with your supervisors is essential. Your schoolwork should never interfere with your duties, but with honest communication, many leaders are supportive of academic goals. 

It is also important not to rush. There is often pressure to complete a degree quickly, but doing so can lead to burnout or reduced performance. Taking a steady and realistic approach allows you to maintain balance and ensure long term success.

3. How did you balance military duties with college coursework?

Balancing both required planning, self awareness, and flexibility. I focused on maintaining a healthy rhythm between my Coast Guard responsibilities and my academic commitments. When managed properly, each effort can reinforce the other. My coursework helped me become a better officer, and my military experience made me more disciplined and focused in the classroom.

4. How did online learning fit into your military schedule?

While stationed in Cleveland, I completed much of my coursework during periods when I was not on watch. There were certainly nights when I would have preferred to rest, but I knew that progress required sacrifice. When I transitioned into a staff assignment, I established a dedicated schedule for schoolwork and stuck to it. This often meant turning down social activities or free time. However, the consistency paid off. Earning my degree led to new professional opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.

5. What military education benefits or resources were the most helpful to you?

Tuition Assistance was the most valuable resource during my academic journey. It enabled me to pursue higher education without the financial strain that often comes with graduate programs. I was also fortunate to have mentors who had earned degrees while serving. Their advice and encouragement helped me stay motivated and focused throughout the process.

6. How did your military experience shape your approach to college and career planning?

Military life builds discipline, structure, and time management. When I first joined the Coast Guard, I had to adapt to a fast-paced and demanding schedule. That experience gave me the confidence and tools to pursue graduate studies while continuing to serve. I approached education with the same mindset I brought to my duties, and that helped me stay on track.

7. What advice would you give to service members considering college while on active duty?

Start by identifying your purpose. Ask yourself why you want to pursue this degree. Whether it is for promotion, personal growth, or creating more opportunities for your family, having a clear purpose helps sustain motivation. 

Once you have defined your goals and research programs, commit to a schedule and find a mentor who can support you through the process. Establishing a routine will turn your studies into a consistent habit, which is essential for long-term success in any endeavor.

8. If you could do it again, what would you do differently?

If I had the chance to do it again, I would be more patient with the process and myself. I placed too much pressure on myself to finish quickly, which added unnecessary stress. Looking back, the most important thing was completing the degree. I am proud that I stayed committed and finished, even if it took longer than expected.

Time Management Tips for Active-Duty Students

Active-duty students face obstacles that civilian students rarely encounter. Proactive strategies can help:

Another helpful piece of advice is to watch out for . This includes missed registration windows or classes due to service obligations. This can delay progress, especially in programs with rigid course sequences. That's why it's important to advocate for yourself. 

Absence and reintegration policies vary widely; proactive communication with professors is essential when formal support is lacking. College systems can compared to the military. Don’t hesitate to ask for help with procedures like registration or financial aid.

Unfortunately, it's that veteran services are tailored to student veterans who have already completed military service, rather than those currently serving. 

Final Thoughts: Education and Career Paths After Military Service

For many veterans, a college degree is a powerful stepping stone to long-term career success. Higher education opens doors to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and more specialized roles in both the public and private sectors.

According to a , veterans are more likely than nonveterans to hold management and professional positions, especially those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many employers value veterans’ leadership skills and problem-solving experience. 

Military-friendly schools and organizations like Hiring Our Heroes and VA's Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program help smooth the transition with job placement support, résumé workshops, and networking opportunities. 

The best online colleges for military students will not only enhance your career options after your service is complete, but will also provide long-term financial stability. With the right resources, veterans can go to college while in the military to set themselves up for rewarding civilian careers in both the public and private sectors.

* For the purposes of this trademark, GI Bill is defined as a service, ‘‘providing education benefits, namely, financial assistance such as accelerated payment and tuition assistance for institutions of higher learning, non-college degree programs, on-the-job training and apprenticeship training, flight training, independent training, distance learning and internet training, correspondence training, national testing programs,licensing and certification; entrepreneurship training, work-study programs, and co-op training to Veterans, Servicemembers, National Guard members, Selected Reserve members, and eligible dependents.’’