Many young people are drawn to the Air Force for the education benefits. The military offers incentives like no other job opportunity. They will train you for a job. They will give you job experience. Above and beyond this, they offer a package of Air Force education benefits. These benefits include the GI Bill, educational testing and much more.
The Air Force’s Community College offers a unique opportunity for those enlisted in the Air Force. It is the largest community college. When a young person enlists in the Air Force, they are also enrolled in the community college. This community college offers class for the airman on-duty and off-duty at times that fit their schedule. The Community College of the Air Force partners with 90 affiliated schools, 82 worldwide educational services and over 1500 civilian institutions. Not only can a person earn college credits in this program, but they can also earn their degree. This makes the AF Community College unique with its military peers.
Like every other branch of the military the Air Force education benefits include money for college. This is provided in a number of ways. Money for college is a reason why many enlist in the AF and the programs for this purpose are available to those enlisted airmen.
A person can have student loans repaid with the CLRP, College Loan Repayment Program. If an airman has a qualified student loan when they enlist, this program will reduce the amount they owe or they may qualify to have it completely paid. While they are wearing the uniform and fulfilling their obligation, their student loans are being paid off. This is an incentive for many that may find their student loan debt overwhelming.
Those that have served since September 2001 qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill. This program offers up to 36 months of educational benefits. This money can be used for tuition at a qualified college, university or trade school. It will also cover the cost of books, cost of living and other incidentals that pertain to higher education. The Post 9/11 GI Bill can also be transferred to a military member’s spouse or children, so they too can earn college credits towards a degree.
TA, Tuition Assistance, is money for college while an airman is still serving on active duty. TA provides up to 100% of the cost of tuition up to $250 for credit hour. It caps out at $4500 a year. This is equivalent to an airman carrying a full load of college credits. With this assistance military members can take classes in their off-duty time to earn a degree. They can take classes through qualified institutions either off base, by correspondence, distance learning or e-learning.
There are also college scholarships and ROTC programs available for those that qualify. An enlisted Air Force personal that has gotten off active duty, but still choices to stay in the reserve component has a variety of scholarships that they qualify for as well as ROTC. ROTC is available to those that qualify and will repay for their education with service in the Air Force.
The Air Force education benefits are available for those that are serving the country in this branch of the service. They have many opportunities that they can take advantage. A determined airman can come out of their service obligation with college credits or a degree and money to obtain their educational goals.
This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.
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