Getting Out, Getting an Education and Getting Ahead

Possibly the largest military money-saver, the GI Bill allows military members to access education funding for college degrees, apprenticeships, and higher education learning of all kinds. The Bill can net you a full-ride at a wide variety of educational organizations and can help you prepare for your next dream job or even start your own business. Check your particular Service for its customized programs. Some basic limitations might apply, like have only a little service time left or keeping credit hour costs below a certain amount (typically $250 per credit), but the deal is still a great one. Living stipends, books and supplies, potential for additional contributions…the list of advantages goes on.

Benefits often extend beyond a bachelor's and pave your way to a master's degree as well, especially when army benefits and university programs merge. Take Army National Guard 1st Lt. Gregg Carey, a platoon leader who received a head injury in Iraq and found the Army Wounded Warrior Education Initiative at the University of Kansas. The program paid all Carey's tuition for a master's in education technology and guaranteed him aid in find a job in Training and Doctrine Command after graduation.

Of course, not all benefits are a guarantee in the constantly changing political games. The original GI Bill, which has cost more than $17.2 billion since it's inception after 9/11, has been under serious scrutiny of late. Senator Jim Webb, a key player in creating the first bill, is hoping to set new school requirements and limitations that will preserve the function of the old bill. This way funds "will not be lost or squandered on an education that fails to equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to be successful," as Webb said. Still it is best to act as early as possible in case budget cuts do have far-reaching effects.

Another popular option to keep in mind: online education. This is a favorite of those still on leave or with the typically unpredictable schedule. Online access allows you to smooth over holes in your class time no matter your location. While some schools do allow for military students to claim excused withdrawals, online colleges often remove the need for such delaying tactics. Service members tend to favor tech, communication, and science fields, which is another added bonus: These sectors often have the most job openings and offer the most lucrative salaries for graduates.