How to Apply for the Military College Fund

One of the benefits of enlisting in the military is the opportunity to further your education at a reduced cost. The Montgomery G.I. Bill (MGIB) and the Army College Fund (ACF) are two college funding sources that are available for service members. In addition, there is a college loan repayment program available for qualifying members.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Apply for the Military College Fund

1. Research the Montgomery G.I. Bill, which provides for a specific amount per month to be taken from the member's salary for 12 months. For a full-time college student, the MGIB will pay monthly for a total of 36 months of school.
2. Apply for another military college fund known as the Army College Fund. You must first be enrolled in the MGIB program before you're eligible to receive ACF benefits. Your recruiter can give you the appropriate application forms when you enlist.
3. Request information from your recruiter about participation options in the ACF program. This program is only available to new recruits during the enlistment process. Officers are not eligible to apply for ACF assistance. In addition, the ACF is restricted by the Army to only areas that are in short supply.
4. Meet the requirements to apply for the ACF military college fund. You must have a high school diploma upon making application to enter active duty. Also, you must have a score of at least 50 on the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifications Test).
5. Apply directly through the Veterans Administration to receive benefits from the ADMGIB (Active Duty Montgomery G.I. Bill). The decision to participate in the ADMGIB must be made during basic training. It is for active duty military members. Educational benefits are granted in return for a minimum of 3 years of commitment to serve.
6. Ask the Army Recruiter about the current MOSs (Military Occupational Specialties) available. The list of jobs change to meet the demand.

Tips & Warnings

• Failure to maintain qualification in the MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) or to complete the minimum service requirements will constitute a forfeiture of ACF assistance.
• The Federal law will not allow you to receive concurrent benefits under the College Loan Repayment Program and the ADMGIB for the same service enlistment. You still must apply for the G.I. Bill during basic training. You will not be qualified to use the G.I. Bill until your second enlistment if you used the College Loan Repayment during your first tenure of service.