If you are a member of the Armed Forces, you know that you are constantly learning from your officers and comrades. But did you know that the military will pay for you to get that college degree? Joining the military is a great option for those of you who want to avoid paying expensive tuition fees and steer clear of those excessive student debts!

If you already are a member of the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, or are a veteran of the armed forces, there are a TON of educational resources and benefits out there! Even if you are on active duty, there is no better time than the present to start thinking about getting an education. Here are some ways to get the most educational benefits out of your military service—

Know your benefits

It’s no secret that the military offers a wide variety of resources to servicemen and potential college students, but most people aren’t aware of exactly what is out there. The Montgomery GI Bill, which was established after the Second World War, provides the perfect opportunity for veterans to go back to school! The Bill stipulates that in exchange for your military service, you are entitled to some form of tuition assistance. In 2008, over 540,000 servicemen and women have used the GI Bill to get an education. The Bill is flexible enough that you can use it for a wide variety of educational options, including flight training, online college programs, or any type of certification.

Explore your resources

Since there are so many available options, it can often be overwhelming to go at it alone! That’s why there are professionals out there who are trained to help guide you through the education process. If you’re on active duty, you might consider looking into the Transition Assistance Program, which is a program that counsels you through the transition back into civilian life. These folks provide you with the tools that you need to make smart career and education choices.

For those of you who are veterans, the Department of Veteran Affairs is an excellent resource! They have lots of helpful information on their website about available educational benefits and are more than happy to speak to you in person.

If you are in high school or college, the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) can help pay your tuition! High school students who enlist can qualify for grants that range from two-year to full ride scholarships. In some cases, students can receive stipends for books and other living fees. College students who enlist in the ROTC can qualify for up to four years of tuition assistance based on their GPA and physical fitness tests.

Your family can get military assistance too!

You can feel safe knowing that the military will help take care of your educational needs, but did you know that members of your family can also get tuition assistance from the military? If you are a member of the Armed Forces and are responsible for dependents, the military will help advance their careers too!

If you’re in active duty, your spouse can take advantage of the Military Spouse Advancement Accounts program, which will help your loved one learn valuable career skills that are applicable in every part of the globe. Even dependents of veterans can receive educational assistance through the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program.

When it comes to getting educational scholarships and grants, you have to do your research! There are stipulations based on your location, career, and choice of college. Don’t forget to use your military benefits wisely!