How to go to college without going broke

By Adisa Hargett-Robinson

Feb 3, 2018

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Tuition at colleges and universities is through the roof, and many graduates are saddled with loads of student loan debt. But this doesn't have to be you! Your military service will afford you different opportunities to shrink, or possibly even eliminate, your school costs. We're not just talking tuition here, your housing and books could be covered as well. Save more money on your degree now, so that later you can buy a new car, travel the world and most importantly not spend years losing a chunk of your paycheck to paying off your student debt. (Pixelfit/Getty Images)

So you’ve probably heard of the GI Bill, but I bet you didn’t read the fine print (who ever does?). This is one time you want to! It was modified after 9/11 and has some cool benefits you definitely want to know about! The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers the full in-state tuition at public universities and more than $20,000 annually at private universities. It also comes with a housing stipend that will typically give the student about as much money as the school receives for tuition. You can use the GI Bill to fund your education, as well as that of your children or spouse. Talk about #EducationGoals! There are some limitations and rules, so read the small print so you can take advantage of it. (Alyssa M. Akers/U.S. Air Force)

There are benefits not just for you but your spouse as well! Gotta love bae. The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts program provides up to $4,000 for military spouses who are pursuing an associate degree, license, certification or credential for employment. Why should your spouse pay for something if it can be free? Keep in mind that there are limitations to this program. For example, the spouse's service member must be active duty, higher ranks are not eligible and the program of study must be completed within three years of the start date. (InnaPoka/Getty Images)

Spouses and children of veterans are eligible to receive education and training benefits through the Dependents Education Assistance Program. If awarded, up to 45 months of financial benefits are offered and they can be used for any number of educational programs, including degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship and on-the-job training. Isn't that just the best thing ever? (Zinkevych/Getty Images)

Have you ever paid a cover charge at a bar or club and then watched someone walk into the same place without having to pay a cover because they were a VIP or knew someone you didn't? Well, you're the VIP now! Veterans are eligible for lots of unique scholarships that aren't available to people who never served. The various scholarships and grants have different requirements, and they may vary based on branch. But bottom line: They are giving you free money. Now that is literally the best thing ever! (Getty Images)

Don’t forget about education benefits provided by states. These can benefit you, your spouse, even your children. As with the branch-specific assistance, each state’s assistance varies. Some states offer more help than others. You could be looking at a full-ride scholarship for your entire degree ... or absolutely no help from the state. You’ll have to track down your state’s financial aid program or website for more information. But it’s worth the time. If there is any free money out there for you to go to school, wouldn’t you want to find it? (Viorika Prikhodko/Getty Images).

About Adisa Hargett-Robinson

Adisa is a multimedia journalist covering Military Life, transition to civilian life and veteran education

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