Talk to multiple recruiters about what is available through various branches of service before you join the military. Some branches have much greater education benefits than others.
Check your enlistment contract to make sure you are participating in the Montgomery GI Bill program. This education benefit lets military personnel receive payments for school costs--up to four full years--in exchange for a small monthly payment during the first year of enlistment. Participation is the default, so unless you have actively chosen not to, you probably are participating.
Make the most of your money by choosing the right school. Some colleges offer additional help or tuition assistance to veterans or current military members.
Take courses while in the military. If you take classes during your off-duty hours, the military will pay 100 percent of your tuition and fees if your class directly relates to your military career specialty. If it is unrelated, the military will pay 75 percent.
Use your Montgomery GI Bill benefits, either after two years in the service or after separating from the military. You have ten years from your date of separation to use up your entire benefit amount, which covers up to 36 academic months of full-time schooling.
Look into getting college credit for your military training or by testing out of certain courses. The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support program can help you take these shortcuts to achieving your education goals.