Need money for college?
Wouldn’t it be nice to have your classes paid for, and not worry about student loans, working extra hours or taking on a 2nd or 3rd job to cover the costs?
Would that peace of mind allow you to focus more on your studies, rather than how you'll pay for it all?
The Air Force Reserve can help pay for your extended education with numerous educational benefit options, all for a minimal commitment of just 39 days a year.
By joining the Air Force Reserve, you'll not only become a member of one of the finest military organizations in this country, you'll also receive the Montgomery GI Bill, 100% Tuition Assistance, and have the option to use our Student Loan Repayment Program to ensure you excel in your continued education. We'll even help cover the costs of past classes.
Here is an overview of how each benefit can assist you, as well as where and when you can use them:
Montgomery GI Bill/Post 9-11 GI Bill: The Air Force Reserve offers both the Montgomery GI Bill and Post 9-11 GI Bill for your future educational needs. Both of these options are designed to cover the cost of your college education, as well as the cost of your books for each class. The Post 9-11 GI Bill requires that you serve a certain amount of time on Active Duty in order to qualify for the full benefits it offers, and also provides money for rent, utilities, etc.
The Reserve GI Bill, however, is totally non-contributory, and only requires you to participate with the Air Force Reserve 39 days a year!
Both of these can be used at any accredited college, whether it is Yale or GMC, as long as it's an accredited institution. You can also pass these benefits onto your dependents (spouse/children) should you choose to do so.
TA (Tuition Assistance): The Air Force Reserve offers Tuition Assistance (TA) for undergraduate courses ($4,500.00 a year) or 75% for graduate classes ($3,500.00 a year). This program will pay for the cost of your classes up front, and as long as you pass the course with a C or better, you're good to go. Keep in mind, this program only covers the cost of the courses; it does not cover the cost of books for the course. There is nothing more you need to pay for since the benefit comes free with your enlistment, and lasts as long as you decide to stay and participate with the Air Force Reserve (39 days minimum per year). This is a great option for individuals who look to take a few classes each semester (part-time students) as they most likely have full time jobs as well.
SLRP (Student Loan Repayment): Certain jobs within the Air Force Reserve will allow its members to use the Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) which will pay roughly $4500.00 a year on existing student loans. This is a great option for individuals who have accumulated student loan debt in order to pay for continued education. If the main focus is paying off debt from past student loans, this is a great benefit.
As a member of the Air Force Reserve you will receive all of these educational benefits just for your minimal participation of 1 weekend a month and 2 weeks in the summer. With the Air Force Reserve, you still live where you are living, you can still go to school full/part time. You can still keep your civilian job, as you only need to participate 39 days a year. Although the Air Force Reserve (much less the military in general) is not for everyone, it is a great option for a lot of people. For more information, or to see what's available, log on and speak with an e-advisor via IM, or call 1-800-257-1212.
Best of luck, and God’s Speed!