Entering the workforce has long been the typical step for most students. However, there is an alternative that works for the right kind of person: serving the country in the military.
While perhaps not for everyone, the military offers rich rewards for those with the commitment and desire to serve. The military might not be the easy choice, but it is one that can result in a student better prepared for the rigors of everyday life in the working world.
Minimize the Problem of Student Debt
Student debt is at its highest level ever in history - an estimated $1 trillion, according to U.S. News & World Report.
That staggering number has far-reaching implications. According to a report earlier this year from the New York Federal Reserve, those with higher levels of debt are less likely than their peers to take on a car loan or home mortgage when they graduate from college.
That could have severe consequences for an economy that depends on people being willing to take on debt, especially early in life. The Fed report said:
"Lowered expectations of future earnings and more limited access to credit may have broad implications for the ongoing recovery of the housing and vehicle markets, and of U.S. consumer spending more generally."
The report goes on to find that 43 percent of college graduates have debt - up from 25 percent in 2003.
Pay Down Student Debt or Continue Your Education
One of the advantages of joining the military is that every branch of the armed services has tuition assistance programs that will pay back much of your college loans. In the Army, for example, you can receive as much as $20,000 to pay off your student loans.
Although tuition assistance was ended in early 2013 because of the budget sequestration rules, Congress moved quickly to reinstate the assistance for members of the military and veterans. All branches had reinstated tuition assistance programs by the end of April.
Quicker Path to Becoming an Officer
Those with an undergraduate degree have a better chance of becoming an officer in the military.
If you graduate with a bachelor's degree and decide to become an officer, you can immediately enter the Officer Candidate School. In this program, college graduates enter a 14-week course and, upon completion, are promoted to second lieutenant. A second lieutenant can command a platoon.
Typically, commissioned officers make more money than non-commissioned officers, so there is a monetary advantage to entering the military with a degree.
Ultimately, the military can be a solid choice, especially for those who are not sure what they want to do and are searching for more experience before entering the workforce.
Carson Kelly is a contributor to U.S. News University Directory, an online portal for military education resources and tuition assistance program information. The directory includes Yellow Ribbon Schools offering accredited degree programs, as well as, a growing collection of continuing education and career articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carson_Kelly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7731732
While perhaps not for everyone, the military offers rich rewards for those with the commitment and desire to serve. The military might not be the easy choice, but it is one that can result in a student better prepared for the rigors of everyday life in the working world.
Minimize the Problem of Student Debt
Student debt is at its highest level ever in history - an estimated $1 trillion, according to U.S. News & World Report.
That staggering number has far-reaching implications. According to a report earlier this year from the New York Federal Reserve, those with higher levels of debt are less likely than their peers to take on a car loan or home mortgage when they graduate from college.
That could have severe consequences for an economy that depends on people being willing to take on debt, especially early in life. The Fed report said:
"Lowered expectations of future earnings and more limited access to credit may have broad implications for the ongoing recovery of the housing and vehicle markets, and of U.S. consumer spending more generally."
The report goes on to find that 43 percent of college graduates have debt - up from 25 percent in 2003.
Pay Down Student Debt or Continue Your Education
One of the advantages of joining the military is that every branch of the armed services has tuition assistance programs that will pay back much of your college loans. In the Army, for example, you can receive as much as $20,000 to pay off your student loans.
Although tuition assistance was ended in early 2013 because of the budget sequestration rules, Congress moved quickly to reinstate the assistance for members of the military and veterans. All branches had reinstated tuition assistance programs by the end of April.
Quicker Path to Becoming an Officer
Those with an undergraduate degree have a better chance of becoming an officer in the military.
If you graduate with a bachelor's degree and decide to become an officer, you can immediately enter the Officer Candidate School. In this program, college graduates enter a 14-week course and, upon completion, are promoted to second lieutenant. A second lieutenant can command a platoon.
Typically, commissioned officers make more money than non-commissioned officers, so there is a monetary advantage to entering the military with a degree.
Ultimately, the military can be a solid choice, especially for those who are not sure what they want to do and are searching for more experience before entering the workforce.
Carson Kelly is a contributor to U.S. News University Directory, an online portal for military education resources and tuition assistance program information. The directory includes Yellow Ribbon Schools offering accredited degree programs, as well as, a growing collection of continuing education and career articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carson_Kelly
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7731732
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