Bachelor's degree while in the US Air Force?

Question

I am 19 years old, and have completed one year of school at a 4-year university. I am unable to pay for my college education now, so I am planning on joining the air force in order to be able to pay for my education. I would like to get my bachelor's degree while serving in the air force, so I know I would have to serve more than one term in the air force to be able to do so, which I would do. Would the military help me pay for my education while in the service? If so, how would they help me and how long would it take to get my bachelor's degree while in the air force? Does the air force offer any schooling or technical training that would be equivalent to obtaining a bachelor's degree?

Answer 1

The AF does have 100% Tuition assistance and you are encouraged to take advantage of it.  Most bases have 2 or 3 universities that offer actual classes.  As well as the huge number of on-line classes that are available.  Obviously, some programs are better than others.  And there are some universities that you will find on most bases,  so you can continue whereever you are stationed.

Most of hubby's airmen are working on their degrees or already have them.  There are also quite a few enlisted who hold master's degrees, courtesy of the AF.

Some enlisted career fields will be able to load you up with lots of credit hours.  But I don't know of any that you actually end up with your degree.  And additional training and schooling can also count toward college credits.

Every base does have an education office, with folk that are trained in dealing with all of this and that are more than happy to help you on the road to getting your degree.  

The amount of time it takes will vary based on your job and yourself.  Some guys do nothing but go to work and take classes, taking 2 or 3 each semester.  Others do well to get in one class a semester.  (Also, most programs will offer accelerated semesters)  Taking land classes do tend to cause more problems, as you have to balance it around your duty schedule.

DH has been working on his degree for the last 4 years and is just about done.  And that includes all of the credits he recieved for various training/classes/academies he has attended.

Good luck!!

Answer 2

You should go and talk to an Air Force recruiter. You don't have to enlist, but you can get important information from him. It is my belief that everything you asked for is available.

Answer 3

If you are joining the Air Force just to get a college degree paid for maybe you should just get a student loan. The military will have you very busy for the first year of your tour and then you may find yourself without any study time after that. Some Air Force guys I knew worked 16 hour days between their day job and their extra duty. So, time is not on your side, ever.

Joining the service may be a good idea if you are trying to become an independent student by not relying on your parent's income.

Otherwise, the military pays about 90% of your tuition (while you are enlisted) but you pay for books, labs, and other essentials.

After the military, you will be considered independent of your parents. However, you do realize that you could lose your life while serving your country, don't you?

Answer 4

Talk to a recruiter about how you could transfer to a university with an ROTC program. The Air Force will pay for you to get a 4 year degree while you earn your commission as an officer. After you graduate you'd be in an officer at least until you finish your commission and then you could resign if you choose or continue your military career.  

Answer 5

Join the Air National Guard. Serve your country part-time, go to school full-time and get everything paid for and a cash allowance for living expenses.