Military Information

Students interested in learning about post-secondary opportunities with the United States Military should contact their School Counselor. 

One of the best sources for college tuition is through military service. There are several options to consider:

PENNSYLVANIA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD, www.1800GOGUARD and PENNSYLVANIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD, www.afres.af.mil . A student can sign-up while still in high school, as long as they are 17 years of age. Some students do basic training between their junior and senior year and go one weekend per month while they're still in high school. They receive a stipend for service, too! Others join after high school, do basic training, then start college in the fall or spring. If they enroll in any one of the 14 Pennsylvania State Schools, they receive FULL TUITION, or up to $4,000 in any PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) approved college or university. They also receive a monthly stipend for the one weekend a month they have to go to reserves. Every summer they do basic training for two weeks. Students who choose this option have a seven year commitment, but 4 years of that time is while they are in college. PLUS, in certain occupations like government service, firemen, police work, teaching, etc., they get first choice or veterans preference.

ARMY RESERVES. Basic Training, specialists training, one weekend per month, two weeks summer with pay, and federal tuition benefits.

AIR FORCE RESERVES. Same as Army Reserves.

COAST GUARD RESERVES. Same as Army Reserves. www.uscg.mil/reserve .

NAVY RESERVES. Must have served in regular Navy first.

REGULAR ARMY, NAVY, MARINES, AIR FORCE, COAST GUARD. Eleven weeks basic training (CG is eight weeks) (AF is 6.5 weeks), eleven weeks specialist training, full tuition benefits while in the regular service, on-the-job education and training, often leading to a college degree, federal tuition benefits after leaving a four year commitment. www.goarmy.com , www.navy.com , www.marines.com , www.airforce.com , www.gocoastguard.com .

ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE ROTC (officer corps). Attend the college of your choice full time, basic training (usually between freshman and sophomore year), one weekend per month on campus service with pay, chance for scholarship and full tuition for bright students, commission in service as officer upon graduation. Wonderful opportunity for competitive, bright students who may even have the opportunity to continue graduate school and doctorate work at the expense of the military.

ACADEMY EDUCATION - (U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy). A very competitive, comprehensive education for bright, athletic, committed young men and women. Process for admission begins in the JUNIOR year of high school. The value of an academy education exceeds $200,000, and the government covers the entire cost. There is a commitment of six years to the military as an officer; but many graduates go on to get Masters and Doctorate degrees while still in the military. www.usma.edu , www.nadn.navy.mil , www.academyadmissions.com .

ACADEMY EDUCATION - (Coast Guard Academy). The academy is tuition-free, and there are no congressional appointments. You'll be evaluated on your academic standing and your personal merit, skills, talent, and achievements. All of your accomplishments count. www.cga.edu .

 

UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMIES

 

U.S. Military Academy (West Point): Director of Admissions, U.S. Military Academy, 600 Thayer Road, West Point, NY 10996-9902, 1-914-938-4041, www.usma.edu

 

U.S. Naval Academy: U.S.Naval Academy , Candidate Guidance Office, 117 Decatur Rd., Annapolis, MD 21402-5018, 1-410-293-4361, www.usna.edu

 

U.S. Air Force Academy: Admissions Office, HQ USAFA/RRS, 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 200, USAF Academy, CO 80840-5025, 1-800-443-9266, www.usafa.edu

 

U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: Admissions Office, U.S. Merchant Marines Academy, Kings Point, NY 11024-9997, 1-800-732-6267, www.usmma.edu

 

U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Congressional appointment not required): Admissions Office, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, CT 06320-4195, 1-860-444-8500, www.cga.edu