If money concerns have you worried about achieving your dream degree, Uncle Sam can offer you more than just federal student aid. Military branches all give financial assistance in exchange for a period of service to those wanting higher education. Here’s a breakdown of the branches and their incentives.

ARMY

If you’re interested in a career with the oldest and largest military branch, the Army provides a way to serve your country and get an education. Benefits include school assistance, generous vacation time, medical coverage, room and board, and a monthly stipend. But if you accept a scholarship, you’re obligated to serve later.

• Army ROTC programs in Arkansas: Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (other colleges offer Army ROTC classes through these universities)
• Recruiting info: GoArmy.com
• Boot camp length: 9 weeks
• Length of service required: Eight years if recipient of an Army ROTC scholarship.
• Career ideas: Interpreter, Helicopter Repair, Operating Room Specialist, Machinist, Intelligence Analyst, Military Police

NAVY

Did you like Battleship as a kid? Experience it in real life while earning money for college in the Navy. Enroll in the NROTC program and qualify for up to $180,000 in scholarship money and a monthly stipend that increases as you further your education. As an enlistee, you can get all of your tuition and fees covered at an accredited institution.

• Navy ROTC programs in Arkansas: None.
• Recruiting info: Navy.com
• Boot camp length: 8 weeks
• Length of service required: Five years of active duty if recipient of an NROTC scholarship.
• Career ideas: Translator, Photographer, Teacher, Musician

MARINE CORPS

Joining the Marine Corps could provide you with the bragging rights of being part of an influential military branch while helping pay for your education. Under programs such as Military Tuition Assistance, you could spend nothing out of pocket as long as you’re on active duty. Understand service requirements before signing; don’t be surprised that your free education has strings attached.

• Marine Corps/Navy ROTC programs in Arkansas : None.
• Recruiting info: Marines.com
• Boot camp length: 12 weeks plus combat training.
• Length of service required: Tuition assistance only available to those in active duty. Officers must serve two years of active duty if recipient of tuition assistance.
• Career ideas: Electrician, Broadcast Journalist, Helicopter Specialist, Engineer

AIR FORCE

If flying at the speed of sound is your thing, perhaps consider a career in the Air Force. It’s the youngest branch of the military, but it’s no rookie. It’s the world’s largest and most technologically sophisticated aerial warfare branch. Enroll in a university’s Air Force ROTC program and qualify for competitive scholarships and a monthly stipend.

• Air Force ROTC programs in Arkansas: University of Arkansas (other colleges offer Air Force ROTC through UA.)
• Recruiting info: AirForce.com
• Boot camp length: 7 weeks
• Length of service required: Four years of active duty if recipient of Air Force ROTC scholarship.
• Career ideas: Pilot, Emergency Medicine Physician, Architect, Still Photography Specialist, Pararescue

COAST GUARD

The Coast Guard may be the smallest branch of the military, but it controls search and rescue, law enforcement and pollution prevention. The College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative or CSPI (“Sea Spy”) provides scholarships and funding for two undergraduate years at an accredited college or university designated as a Minority Serving Institute (MSI).

• Arkansas' Minority Serving Institutions: Arkansas Baptist College, Crowley’s Ridge Technical Institute, Philander Smith College, UA-Pulaski Technical College, University of Arkansas and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
• Coast Guard training programs: Training is only available at the United States Coast Guard Training Center in Cape May, New Jersey.
• Recruiting info: GoCoastGuard.com
• Boot camp length: 8 weeks
• Length of service required: Four years of active duty if recipient of CSPI scholarship.
• Career ideas: Engineering Officer, Environmental Manager, Reserve Officer

ARMY NATIONAL GUARD

The Army National Guard is a great way for anyone 17 and older to earn money and go to school or work full-time. You just have to serve one weekend per month and go to summer training and a 9-week basic training. If you’ve already been to college and have a degree, you can apply for an officer position.

• For More Information: ARGuard.org
• High School Benefits: Get paid up to $1,200 per month during summer training
• College Benefits if you sign a six-year contract: 100 percent tuition paid at any state school!
• Career Benefits if you sign a four year contract: Beneficial job training & guaranteed full-time job in the Army (optional)
• After Your Contract: You are finished, but be aware that re-enlistment bonuses reach up to $15,000.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB is a test designed to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses and skills, and it’s required you pass it before you can enlist. Different military branches have different acceptance scores, so make sure you understand what score the branch you’re interested in wants.

Am I Healthy Enough?

In order to enlist in any branch of the military, you must pass an extensive physical or medical examination. While each branch has different guidelines, there are medical conditions that cause concern or complete disqualification from enlistment. While it may be tempting to leave out information about medical history for this reason, it is better to tell them upfront than to risk being dishonorably discharged for fraudulent enlistment. If you have any type of medical or physical complication, check each branch individually for requirements.