College or The Army?

Hello fellow CC users

I want to pursue education in the field of computer science (particularly in programming or even something in artificial intelligence such as neural networking). I live in NV and have been accepted into UNR (decent school). I’ve applied to others such as RPI, nonetheless I’ve come to face a huge problem: Tuition cost. I want to continue my passion for computer science but not in a path harassed by the burden of money. I’ve already talked to my local Army recruiters and have already signed a Delayed entry program contract (not binding) for a position (25S). Not getting into details, it would be related to computer science and involving constant hands on work. The army via the GI bill could pay for the bulk of the expenses in college tuition and give large cash bonuses after four years of service.

Here I am now with the decision to go to college and pursue my dreams but with financial risk OR put it on hold for four years to ensure a future education absent financial burden. If you could spare but a moments time and help me assess this. I would cherish valuable and thoughtful input please. Many thanks.

Orange Parrot

I think it is very important to consider current financial aid offers before making your decision.

Well, there is also “both” as an answer:

a. Apply to the United States Military Academy.
b. Apply for ROTC scholarships (UNR does have Army ROTC).

Note that specific jobs in the Army (either enlisted or officer) are not guaranteed, since the Army’s needs may change.

RPI has an ROTC program. Best of both worlds.

I would consider the Air Force or Navy before the Army. They both seem to hold education (while enlisted) as a higher priority. My S enlisted immediately after high school, began training EOD for his first two years and then trained in Cybersecurity/IT. After 8 years he discharged and is employed as a Systems Engineer with a very good company at good pay. He was able to complete three years of college during those 8 years and his Montgomery Bill (I think that’s what it is called) is now paying for his last year and he’ll go on to get a Masters, all as a benefit of his service, no cost to him. Fully employed with no college debt at 27 years old.

I think a service academy or ROTC scholarship would be preferred over enlisting, if you can qualify.

Military service is a good way to get the funding for college. I’ve known several who put off college for the service and then went to college later on the GI Bill. BUT, I know a lot more who went into the military with similar plans but never made it to college after they got out. The reason is that during their army years life has a way of intervening. You meet someone and get married, have a kid or two, and then when you get out you’ve got to get a job to support your family. The dream of college fades away under a load of responsibilities.

So if you have dreams of studying CS in college, then go to college NOW. Then when you get out you can still join the army if you want but, with a college degree in hand, you can qualify to join as an officer instead of as a no-stripe private. ROTC is a great way to finish college now and earn a scholarship along the way and ensure you’ll be an officer when you go into the army. A far better option IMO.

This has been my observation, as well. IMHO, if a career in CS is your goal and ROTC isn’t an option, it’s better to commute from home to a local college or community college, than to enlist in the service with some vague intention of going to college later.

Nevada has some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, and computer science is the most employable degree you can get out of college. Military is one of those decisions you make because you REALLY want to do it. Otherwise it tends to be a very miserable way of life. Often, what the recruiter tells you and what actually happens to you after you get in are two very different things.

You can have a degree and avoid financial pitfalls by doing a few very simple things

  1. Work like crazy during summers and part time during the semester. Savings can be used for some of the tuition costs
  2. Go to a community college. If you think about it, your first two years are classes no one really cares about. Tuition is super cheap and you could get through your first two years debt free.
  3. Live at home and go to school, if you can. If your parents live in Las Vegas, go to UNLV. This will enable you to only have to worry about books and tuition and loans can be minimized.
  4. Whatever loans you do take out will be worth it if they're kept to a minimum.

Having worked pretty extensively with military vets who are transitioning to college, I would agree that the Air Force is a better bet than the Army for what you want to do. Your peers in the Air Force will tend to be more college-oriented, and the transition always seems easier for the Air Force guys than the Army men and women. Also, not to disparage the recruiter, but you have to remember that those guys are salesmen. At the very least, shop around the different branches to see who will give you the best deal. Also, I agree with those above who say that if you have the stats to do an Academy, that’s preferable, but it’s late in the process for that, probably, if you are a senior. The bigger question, which only you can answer, is whether or not you want to serve in the military. If you’re just doing it for the money, and aren’t really intrigued by the challenge–especially the physical challenges of serving–than I would try the inexpensive college for a year first and see how it goes. Yes, look into ROTC programs, too, and figure out the benefits. Most importantly READ any contracts before you sign them! Don’t just listen to what the recruiter says they say. Read them. That is the most common thing I hear my student vets kvetching about.

To me, ROTC seems like the best option. If you’re going into the military, better to do it as an officer than enlisted.

I went into the Air Force to get money for school. The Air Force does have a Guaranteed Jobs program. The issue is that the number of jobs that can be guaranteed is limited. They offered me a programming job when I went in, but I turned it down because I thought programming would be boring. (And wouldn’t ya’ know it, when I went back to college after the Air Force, I ended up getting a CS degree.)

I agree with the people who say never trust a recruiter. That’s no joke. When I asked about guaranteed jobs and guaranteed locations, he told me that there was no need to sign any contracts guaranteeing anything because I’d have the opportunity to choose both when I got to Basic Training and Tech School. That was total bs. I was put into a job I didn’t want, and sent to a location I didn’t want to go to. I did end up liking the location, but never liked my job. Lots of other people found themselves in the same situation.