Should you go to college or military first?
Deciding whether to go to college or the military first depends on your career goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. Both options offer unique benefits and challenges, so the best choice will vary depending on your circumstances. Here’s a comparison to help you decide:
Why Choose College First?
- Immediate Career Preparation:
- College provides education and skills for civilian careers that may not require military experience.
- Fields like medicine, engineering, or law often require advanced degrees, which you can pursue sooner by starting with college.
- Traditional College Experience:
- You can experience campus life, extracurricular activities, and networking opportunities that are unique to college.
- Military Officer Opportunities:
- A college degree allows you to enter the military as an officer (via ROTC or Officer Candidate School), offering higher pay, more leadership opportunities, and greater responsibility.
- Example: Joining ROTC in college lets you prepare for military service while earning your degree.
- Flexibility in Career Path:
- College allows you to explore different fields of study and career options before committing to military service.
Why Choose the Military First?
- Financial Benefits for College:
- The military offers tuition assistance, GI Bill benefits, and scholarships (e.g., ROTC) to help pay for college after service.
- This can significantly reduce or eliminate student loan debt.
- Skill Development:
- Military service builds discipline, leadership, teamwork, and technical skills that are valuable in any career.
- You can gain real-world experience that makes you more competitive in the job market or college admissions.
- Career Exploration:
- The military exposes you to various fields (e.g., cybersecurity, healthcare, engineering), helping you identify your interests before pursuing a degree.
- Personal Growth:
- Serving in the military first can help you mature, develop life skills, and gain a sense of purpose.
- Education While Serving:
- Many service members take advantage of Tuition Assistance (TA) to earn college credits while on active duty, combining military service with education.
Considerations for Both Paths
| Factor | College First | Military First |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Potentially high tuition costs and student loans. | Military benefits (e.g., GI Bill) can pay for college later, reducing debt. |
| Career Goals | Best for careers requiring advanced degrees or immediate civilian opportunities. | Military experience can provide clarity on career goals before college. |
| Maturity and Readiness | Ideal for those ready for academic rigor and independence. | Military service can help build discipline and focus for college later. |
| Military Leadership | Requires a degree to enter as an officer. | Enlisting first may delay leadership opportunities but can lead to officer training later. |
When College First Might Be Best
- You’re clear about your career path and need a degree to pursue it.
- You want to experience traditional college life.
- You plan to join the military as an officer via ROTC or OCS.
When Military First Might Be Best
- You want financial assistance to pay for college without accruing debt.
- You’re unsure about your career goals and want to explore options.
- You value the discipline, skills, and growth that military service offers.
- You prefer to gain work experience before committing to academics.
Conclusion
Both paths can lead to success, and your decision should align with your goals and priorities. If financial stability and personal growth are key concerns, starting with the military might be a better fit. If you’re career-focused and need a degree for your desired field, college first could be the ideal choice. Consider speaking with a military recruiter, college advisor, or career counselor to help make an informed decision.
Comprehensive Review of American Military University (AMU)
American Military University (AMU), part of the American Public University System (APUS), is a private, for-profit, online institution headquartered in Charles Town, West Virginia. Established in 1991 by retired Marine Corps officer James P. Etter, AMU created to provide flexible, quality education tailored to the needs of military personnel and public service professionals.
Key Information for Prospective Students:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), ensuring that its programs meet recognized academic standards. Operation Military Kids |
| Programs Offered | Offers over 200 degree and certificate programs across various fields, including Homeland Security, Intelligence Studies, Criminal Justice, Business Administration, Information Technology, and more. |
| Tuition and Fees | Undergraduate tuition is $285 per credit hour; military-affiliated students receive a discounted rate of $250 per credit hour. Textbooks are provided at no additional cost for undergraduate courses. Operation Military Kids |
| Student Demographics | Approximately 88,557 students enrolled, with 83% undergraduate and 17% graduate students. About 56% of students have a military background. Wikipedia |
| Graduation Rate | The 6-year graduation rate is approximately 29%, which is below the national average. Wikipedia |
| Reputation and Rankings | AMU is recognized for its focus on military and public service education. While it may not feature prominently in traditional university rankings, it is considered a top provider of online higher education to the U.S. military. CollegeVine |
| Student Support Services | Provides resources tailored for military and veteran students, including credit transfers for military training, flexible scheduling, and dedicated support services. |
| Alumni Network | Boasts a global network of over 110,000 alumni, many of whom have advanced in military, government, and public service careers. Wikipedia |
| Notable Alumni | Includes individuals such as Nicole Malachowski, the first female pilot selected to fly as part of the USAF Thunderbirds, and Cory Mills, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Wikipedia |
| Flexibility | Offers 100% online courses with asynchronous learning, allowing students to study from anywhere and at their own pace, accommodating the unique demands of military life and working professionals. |
Reputation and Perception:
AMU became a well-regarded within military and public service communities. Moreover, for its specialized programs and flexibility. However, as a for-profit, primarily online institution, it may not carry the same prestige as traditional brick-and-mortar universities in certain civilian sectors. As a result, some employers and academic circles may view degrees from online, for-profit institutions with skepticism. However, though this perception continues changing as online education becomes more prevalent.
Prospective Student Considerations:
CIA Director General David Petraeus on Leadership with Rebellion Research
- Career Goals: AMU stands particularly suited for individuals pursuing careers in military, law enforcement, emergency management, and related fields.
- Learning Style: Ideal for self-motivated learners who can thrive in an online, asynchronous environment.
- Financial Planning: While tuition stands competitive, especially for military students, thus, it’s essential to consider financial aid options and potential out-of-pocket costs.
- Accreditation Awareness: Ensure that the program’s accreditation aligns with your career or further education plans, as some professional fields require specific programmatic accreditations.
In conclusion, American Military University offers flexible, accredited. In addition, career-focused education, particularly catering to military and public service professionals. Lastly, prospective students should assess their individual needs, career objectives. Additionally, learning preferences to determine if AMU aligns with their educational goals.
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