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5 College Degrees Leading to Portable Careers

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A college degree is a big deal.

 

A recent article from Kiplinger mentioned that an employee with a bachelor’s degree earns on average almost double the amount of money compared with a person with only a high school diploma.

Basically, that extra piece of paper makes you more competitive, more portable and more money.

Whether you had to put your education on hold or never got the chance to start, it’s important to begin the admissions (or re-admissions) process with a solid direction. Military spouses endure unique career challenges. We need to factor in PCSing, managing a household (sometimes alone) and countless other random military-related last minute craziness when choosing the right time to earn a college degree.

With that in mind, picking a major should be the first decision you make, even before researching schools. Your interest will dictate what school or program you will want to apply for. It will be a huge advantage to establish a path at the very beginning.

Start by thinking about what you see yourself doing afterward you earn your diploma. A lot of military spouses choose to study a program that would result in a portable career. It makes sense. We have a relatively mobile lifestyle, so why not pursue a curriculum that would support a portable career?

Here are 5 college majors for milspouses looking for a portable career:

  1. Management. After you graduate, a degree in management offers a whole lot of flexibility. It sets the foundation for a variety of jobs that a lot of employers seek, whatever your interest. Personally, I have friends that have pursued a sales managerial position, opened their own e-commerce store and another that used it to work admissions at a school. All jobs that are easily transferable. There are many military spouses with great ideas and this degree direction might be an excellent way to build your successful small business.
  2. Health care. From nursing to medical technicians, the heath care field offers a broad selection of degree programs. There are also options for certain professions that may not need a bachelor’s degree, only a certificate or associate’s degree, which gives this path flexibility (i.e. Registered Nurse (RN) versus a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)). Wherever you are stationed, there will most likely be a doctor’s office, hospital, dentist, rehab center, etc. Despite what people may say about the difficulties in finding jobs in heath care, it’s hard to argue against the continuous need for people in the profession. It’s a challenge to find a job in general, so if it’s your passion to help others in this way, go for it! Remember to discuss all the appropriate certifications with your career counselor that way you’re ahead of the curve when you begin the job hunt at your new duty station.
  3. Communications. I was once told that a communications degree was pointless. On the contrary, a B.A. in communications can open doors to a very wide range of opportunities. It’s a creative discipline and if you have a knack for working with people, brainstorming ideas, writing, communicating in general, then this major is for you. I’m extremely bias because I hold a communications degree. I was able to explore several different facets before putting together my portable career. For example, I studied journalism, marketing, and public speaking.
  4. Computer Science. There is no doubt that the digital age is booming. With a computer science degree, you become the go-to person. Other degrees that are similar are computer engineering or computer development. After graduation, use your expertise and land a job being a developer or researcher. There is no denying that a bachelor’s degree in computer science would translate into a very lucrative career. The National Association of College and Employers (NACE) reports that the starting salary for someone with a computer science degree is around $64K.
  5. Information Technology/Systems. Not to be confused with computer science, this degree takes technology systems and integrates them with businesses. For example, the skills you learn with this program can be applied to work for a number of places like IT firms, online Internet security companies or apply for other similar professions. This degree is great because it provides a well-rounded technical education.

If you are still undecided on a major, aim your studies toward a genre like liberal arts, business or science. Once you’ve applied within a certain school, work on your prerequisites before finalizing your major. U.S. News and World Report is a great resource to gather information on universities, programs, and a whole lot more, including some tips too.

Ultimately, choose a major that is right for you, no matter what. It’s best to be in a career that you love because then your job will never feel like work.

Want more information about college degrees that are most compatible with military life? Visit the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities Program website.

 

Understanding In-State Tuition Options for Veterans Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill

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Understanding the Veterans Access, Choice And Accountability Act of 2014 can be quick and easy. Section 702 specifically states:

The Senate amendment would amend section 3679 of title 38, U.S.C., by adding a new subsection (c) to require VA to disapprove courses of education provided by public institutions of higher learning that charge tuition and fees at more than the in-state resident rate for veterans within three years from discharge from a period of at least 90 days service in the military, irrespective of the veteran’s current state of residence, if the veteran is living in the state in which the institution is located while pursuing that course of education.

Pursuant to subsection (c), this provision would apply to veterans using the educational assistance programs administered by VA under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, U.S.C., and to dependent beneficiaries using Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits during the three years after the veteran’s discharge. If the veteran or dependent enrolls within three years after the veteran’s discharge, the requirement to charge no more than the in-state tuition rate would apply for the duration the individual remains continuously enrolled at the institution.”

This law was written to help veterans transition from the military to civilian world through higher education and now includes benefits for their spouses and children using the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Previously, public schools were able to charge veterans out-of-state fees if they did not meet in-state requirements. With the passage of the Veterans Access, Choice And Accountability Act of 2014 schools that want to continue to receive Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits must offer veterans in-state tuition or lose those funds.

In-State Tuition for Veterans Using the Post-9/11 GI Bill

What questions do you have about the in-state tuition for veterans bill?

It can be difficult for veterans and their family to establish in-state residency with the amount of moving the military can require. This bill will now bring relief from these burdens for those planning on taking classes July 2015 or later, as this is the deadline for schools to offer in-state tuition to veterans and their family.

Not all public schools will make this easy however. While they must offer in-state tuition, they can still mandate that you prove your intent to stay in that state and eventually become a resident.

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia for example requires veterans and their family to prove they have established “domicile” in Virginia. This intent to remain in the state can be established by not only physically residing in Virginia but also changing records to the state. The standard one-year wait most civilians are required to prove they have made Virginia their home is waved for veterans and their families. They can begin classes on the next term once their review has been processed.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Offers In State Tuition to Veterans

 

To take advantage of in-state tuition veterans and their family must begin college courses within 3 years of separation from service. As long as they are enrolled in courses they will be able to continue using this benefit. Again, schools have until July 2015 to offer in-state tuition so be sure to consider this and your timeline for enrollment. Contact the college or university you wish to attend in order to definitively know their policy. Currently, Student Veterans of America has an interactive map outlining state laws and legislation regarding this matter.

What questions do you have about the in-state tuition for veterans bill?

Bill Gives Veterans Using GI Bill In-State Tuition

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Bill approved by Congress provides in-state tuition for veterans.

All public universities will be required to offer veterans and their families in-state tuition regardless of their home of record.

Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed into law last week the Veterans Access, Choice And Accountability Act of 2014. This bill grants veterans and their families the right to in-state tuition at public colleges and universities regardless of where the service or family member is currently living. But only if, they are using GI Bill money.

The law goes into effect July 1, 2015.

Under the current law public schools are not mandated to offer in-state tuition if the veteran does not reside in the school’s state when classes begin. Currently, 24 states already have some form of a state residency waiver for veterans.

Other colleges require veterans to prove their intent on remaining in the state after their education is completed in order to receive in-state tuition. For example University of California, San Diego requires proof of your intent to become a California resident in order to receive in-state tuition. Not only do you need to prove your physical residence, but you must also “demonstrate your intention to make California your home by severing your residential ties with your former state of residence and establishing those ties with California.”  You can prove your intent by acquiring a California driver’s license, opening a bank account or showing your housing contract.

Meeting these requirements, while tedious, is well worth it as the tuition difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition is staggering. The University of Alabama, for example, charges in-state students $9,200 in tuition and fees for the 2013-14 year, while the out-of-state students are assessed fees and tuition of $22,950.

Related: 3 Ways to Stretch Your Tuition Dollars

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition for veterans will all change in July 2015 when the new law goes into effect. All public schools will be required to bill veterans and their families at an in-state tuition rate. If the school does not comply, the VA has the right to disapprove their courses.

This bill will not change veterans and families status when applying for school loans and scholarships. The GI Bill is not considered Federal Financial Aid and thus federal loans are still an available option. There are 5 main loans and grants:

  1. Stafford (subsidized)
  2. Stafford (unsubsidized)
  3. Perkins Loan
  4. Pell Grant
  5. Federal Student Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Eligibility for most federal student aid is based on financial need along with several other factors. It is well worth it to look into these options as well as scholarships. MyCAA is a tuition assistance for military spouses for example. It has limitations based on the active duty sponsor’s rank however. It is only open to “spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, O1-O2 including the spouses of activated Guard and Reserve members within those ranks.”

In-state tuition available for all veterans starting July 1, 2015.

In-state vs. out-of-state tuition for veterans will be irrelevant starting July 1, 2015.

There are many scholarship opportunities for military spouses. A second notable one is the National Military Family Association scholarship. This is open to all military spouses regardless of the veteran’s rank.

With the passing of this new bill, financial aid availability and scholarships, military families have more opportunities to make earning a college degree more of a possibility.

How will this bill affect your family? Will you be more likely to earn a college degree?

 

3 Ways to Stretch Your Tuition Dollars

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3 Ways to Max Out Your GI Bill Benefits

Use the VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool to calculate the cost of a diploma.

In this year’s defense budget debate, the political buzz has centered on the possibility of a reduction of benefits for active duty service members, military families, retirees and veterans. While this debate was negative news to every person who volunteered to serve their country, there is one benefit that is being paid out by the tens of thousands every year:

the Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill was approved in July 2008 and it provides education benefits to service members who served 90 or more days on active duty since Sept. 10, 2001. Military.com explained that the benefits are tiered based on the number of days served on active duty, creating a benefit package that gives current and previously activated National Guard and Reserve members the same benefits as active duty service members.

Unlike the previous veteran tuition assistance benefits, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to the service member’s spouse or children.

Are you considering using your Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Here are 3 ways to stretch your GI Bill dollars.

Choose a Post-9/11 GI Bill-friendly school. Review the list of college and universities participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This voluntarily program ensures that service members will not pay any money out-of-pocket for tuition and fees. You earned these benefits; select a school that values veterans and military families.

Calculate and compare educational options. Veterans shouldn’t rush into the decision to attend college. Each student needs to work with the Department of Veteran Affairs, which administrates the tuition benefits for veterans, to ensure that he fully understands his benefits. The VA’s GI Bill Comparison Tool provides unbiased and accurate information to compare different higher institutions.

For example, a veteran considering attending Harvard University is eligible for up to $19,198 per year for tuition, $2,454 monthly housing allowance, and $1,000 annual book stipend.  Tuition at this private university is $43,938.

Let’s compare those dollar amounts with Arizona State University, a public university which currently has 3,000 veterans and dependents enrolled and has been recognized as a military-friendly college. At ASU 100 percent of the instate tuition costs (estimated at $10,156), along with the $1,000 book stipend and $1,461 for a monthly housing allowance are included in the GI Bill benefits.

3 Ways to Get Max Benefits Out of Your GI Bill

Veterans should review the list of universities participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program before enrolling in college.

Every veteran should aim to attend a school with a benefit estimate of 100 percent of instate tuition costs. You earned these benefits; don’t go into debt to get your diploma.

Be smart about online resources. There is a lot of false and misleading information regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Beware of websites that claim to be veteran education organizations, but are not affiliated with the VA. The best source of information is the VA. Stick with them. You earned these benefits; don’t be scammed.

What did I forget? Please share your tips on how to maximize your GI Bill benefits.