Just like the business world, the branches of the military rely on a constant stream of willing and motivated people to fill its ranks. One way that these military branches have encouraged people to join, both past and present, is with the offer of scholarships and the promise that the structure found in the military will prepare those who join with the needed experience to survive both in the battlefield and the boardrooms. With the incentive of a military college scholarship some may find serving their country to be an honorable and lucrative endeavor. Though the service branches offer a number of different scholarships for a variety of different fields, these are just a few.
Navy: Nurse Candidate Program
One career that is always needed, both in the service branches and civilian arena, is that of healthcare professionals. The Nurse Candidate Program provides up to $34,000 to put towards paying tuition for nursing school. This sum includes a grant of $10,000 and $1,000 month stipends that can extend for 24 months while working towards a nursing degree. This military college scholarships program also includes full military benefits, the luxury of not having to wear a navy uniform, no drilling requirements, and no service obligation until the time of graduation. After graduation participants of this program will be commissioned to the Navy Nurse Corps as an officer.
National Guard: 100% Assistance Program
If you’re worried about being shipped off to some far-flung war-torn part of the world, then perhaps serving in the National Guard may be more favorable. With a commitment to education the National Guard offers military college scholarships as well. With their 100% Assistance Program, prospective students can earn up to $20,000 a year for up to 4 years, in addition to having access to other programs such as the Montgomery G.I. Bill which gives prospective students a $333 monthly stipend to put towards materials and college expenses for up to 3 years. In addition to helping prospective students earn an associates, bachelors, or masters degree, those who enroll in the program will also earn a National Guard paycheck.
Army: ROTC Scholarship
The Army is perhaps the best known branch of the military when it comes to offering scholarships. With their ROTC Scholarship program, students can exchange their services to the military for monetary assistance for college. These ROTC Scholarships are not awarded based on financial need but are based on a student’s grades and merit. This program covers full tuition costs or, depending on time left to complete the degree, two-, three-, or four-year scholarships. In addition to this the ROTC program provides monthly stipends to students, which range from $300 to $500 a month depending on what level of the program a student is at.
Air Force: ROTC Scholarship
Much like the Army the Air force also offers ROTC scholarship programs. One of the programs within the Air Force ROTC Program is the Professional Officer Course – Early Release Program in which active duty Air Force personnel can pursue a commission. In order to take part in these programs, applicants must sign a contract stating that their separation from duty will result in becoming a full-time college student. This is only available for those looking to earn an undergraduate degree and upon completion graduates will return to active duty and will be commissioned as a second lieutenant.
