Three forms of public service -- the United States military, the National Health Service Corps and Americorps -- reward your dedication with money for your education. These three mainstays are worthy of your consideration in addition to other opportunities you may find at your college fellowship office (or its equivalent).
Military Options
Program: The Reserve Officers' Training Corp
How Much: Depending on the branch of the military, you can get around $17,000 per year along with allowances for books, and more.
Details: ROTC programs are offered by all four branches of military service (Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps). Although the program varies depending on which branch of the military you choose. Army ROTC training will consist of taking elective courses in military science, physical training, and an intensive leadership training camp between your junior and senior year where you get to put into practice everything you've learned in the classroom. When you graduate from college you will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. As a scholarship recipient, your time commitment will vary. Typically, you will serve 2 years for every one year that you received a scholarship.
Program: The National Guard
How Much: A salary of up to $263 a month during full-time college enrollment and up to 75% of tuition costs not covered by the GI Bill. Many states also offer their own tuition assistance, which can include paying for 100% of the tuition at state colleges and universities.
Details: The traditional National Guard service requirement is one weekend a month and two weeks a year. National Guard members could be called for active duty at any time. During your time away, your job will be protected by the 1994 Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act. This act protects reservists and other military personnel from discrimination or retaliation for fulfilling their military duties. The law guarantees that if you get called to active duty, you cannot be denied your job or your seniority when you return to work (unless they were planning on firing you before you left.)
