How I Utilized Education Benefits While in the Military to Save $7,000 and Earn My Degree (and You Can Too!)

The version of Nicholas that was not ready for college, circa 2014

Let’s rewind 10 years to the year 2014. Maps by Maroon 5 was on the radio, everyone was recording Vines on their iPhone 6’s, and Nick had just graduated high school, life was good. That August, I started at Northwest Florida State College to begin my college experience. I opted for a local- state college as a cost saving measure as I was paying my own way through college, supported by a serving job at a local restaurant. Within 6 weeks of  starting at NWFSC, I had a realization; I was not at all prepared to be in college. My grades were low, at best. At worst, I was dropping (or being dropped from) classes, missing deadlines, all to pick up extra shifts at work all to pay for this endeavor I was currently failing at. This cycle continued for another three semesters, until I realized that I needed a change. I still wanted to earn my degree, but I needed more structure, more of a routine, and a different environment in which I could thrive. This is what led me to join the Navy in 2017.

The version of Nicholas that finally took college seriously, circa 2024

With this new adventure came lots of new found responsibility. From the day-to-day work, to a very strict schedule and, while being forward-deployed in Japan, a very high-tempo deployment schedule. At this same time, I was also preparing to restart my education journey, this time utilizing what would eventually become a life-saving program for me, Tuition Assistance. Upon return to the United States at the end of 2019, I nearly immediately enrolled in college at Tidewater Community College, taking online classes while still actively doing underways on the USS Wasp, which was challenging, but very much worth it. Fast forward to April of 2024, I finally earned my Associates in Arts degree from St. John’s River State College, 3 colleges later and exactly 10 years after starting it.

Using Tuition Assistance: My $7,000 Saver

One of the most crucial steps I took was signing up for Tuition Assistance (TA), a benefit that all active-duty service members should know about. The program covers 100% of tuition costs for courses taken while on active duty, up to $250 per credit hour, with a maximum of $4,500 per year. In my case, this was a game-changer, I could attend school and be held accountable for grades as if I slipped below a 75, I would have to repay the Navy for that class.

I had always wanted to continue working towards my degree, and I realized that TA could help me do it at virtually no cost. Over the course of my service, I enrolled in several online courses, fitting them around my military schedule. Thanks to TA, the tuition for these courses was completely covered. By the time I earned my Associates, I had saved over $7,000 in tuition costs alone.

It’s amazing to think about how many people don’t fully utilize this benefit. TA is there to help you achieve your education goals while you’re still in the military, without dipping into your savings or accumulating debt.

Don't Forget About FAFSA: Extra Financial Aid That Can Cover More Than Just Tuition

With the changes in the Tuition Assistance program over the past few years, requiring service members to have been in-service for three years with at least six-months left on their contract, it is virtually impossible for first contract service members to utilize Tuition Assistance. However, FAFSA is here to help. FAFSA is a government-funded program helping lower-income individuals attend school, with assistance from the government (and as we all know, lower-enlisted definitely fit the definition of lower-income). 

By applying for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), you are opening yourself up to receiving Pell Grants, money set aside to be paid directly to students. Now, before you get too excited, not everyone qualifies for pell grants, but by being in the military on the military pay scale, the odds are in your favor, especially if the military is your sole-source of income. The FAFSA system is a bit esoteric and bureaucratic, but once you’ve applied, just sit back and wait. I qualified for pell grants nearly every semester I was in school, which is great because I was also receiving Tuition Assistance, so that money covered the taxes and fees on my classes, textbooks, calculators, and other materials that I needed.

If you are not eligible for Tuition Assistance, I HIGHLY recommend applying for a school and following up with a FAFSA application. You could have your entire tuition amount covered by a Pell Grant, and still have money left over for books, fees, etcetera. I know several service members who have taken advantage of this program and have been able to start their education long before they are eligible for Tuition Assistance.

Military-Specific Scholarships: A Hidden Gem

Beyond TA and FAFSA, there are also military-specific scholarships that can provide additional funding for your education. I didn’t realize this at first, but there are numerous organizations that offer scholarships specifically for service members and their families.

I only learned about these after it was too late for me. But it’s not too late for you! This is an opportunity for free money! Just some of the organizations helping service members find scholarships are listed below.

• AMVETS: Scholarships for veterans and their dependents.

• Pat Tillman Foundation: Scholarships for veterans, active service members, and their spouses.

• The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA): Offers grants and scholarships for military personnel and their families.

  
  

Applying for these scholarships does take a bit of time and effort, but it’s absolutely worth it. Every little bit counts when it comes to reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and many of these scholarships go unclaimed because people simply don’t apply!

Image Source: Military scholarships to apply for in 2023-24. EducationConnection. (2024b, July 5). https://www.educationconnection.com/financial-aid/military-scholarships/

Final Thoughts: Don’t Leave Money on the Table

Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the education benefits I had access to during my time in the military. Between Tuition Assistance and FAFSA,, I was able to pursue my degree without taking on any student loan debt. It wasn’t always easy to juggle coursework and military duties, but the long-term payoff was definitely worth it.

If you’re currently serving in the military and considering furthering your education, I strongly encourage you to take full advantage of the resources available to you. Here are a few quick tips:

• Start with Tuition Assistance: This is the best place to begin since it covers a significant portion of tuition costs.

• Fill out FAFSA: Even if you think you won’t qualify, you might be eligible for grants or that can help with non-tuition expenses.

• Apply for Military-Specific Scholarships: Don’t forget about scholarships that are exclusively available to service members and their families.

  
  

The military provides an incredible opportunity to further your education without the financial stress that often comes with pursuing a degree. So take advantage of these benefits while you’re still in uniform and set yourself up for success in your post-military career. If I could save over $7,000, you can too!