Many people decide to either join the military or go to college. However, there's no reason why you can't do both. In fact, you can actually go to college while you're in the military, and many people find it's a good idea to do so. These are some of the top reasons why you may want to consider it.

Keep Yourself Entertained

Of course, all of your duties as a service member probably keep you pretty busy. However, if you're stationed at a base far from home and don't really have any family or friends nearby, you might find yourself getting a bit bored and lonely from time to time. Attending college while you're in the military can actually help you keep yourself entertained in these situations, and you'll be taking positive steps for yourself and your future.

Make College Work for Your Schedule

You might have considered going to college, but as someone in the military, it might seem impossible for you to do so. You could be worried about being stationed elsewhere before the term ends, or you could be worried about how you'll report for duty when needed and also attend in-person classes. Many people find that online schooling is much more convenient for their schedules than in-person learning, and this is often particularly true for people who are in the military.

Prepare for Your Future

Going to college while you're in the military can help you plan for your future, whether you're planning on staying in the military in the long term, or if you're planning to get out at some point in the near future. You can actually improve your military career by going to college. For example, you might find that you will qualify for promotions more quickly if you're going to school. If you're planning on getting out of the military at some point in the next few years, it's not a bad idea to start thinking about what you might want to do when you're out. Then, you can start working on a degree program that will help you achieve your post-military goals and dreams.

Avoid a Financial Burden

You might not make a lot of money right now, as is the case for many people who are relatively new to the military. However, since there are tuition assistance options and grants for service members, you'll likely find you can go to college without a huge financial burden, as long as you look into — and take advantage of — all of your options.

If you are considering an online university, consider a university such as the University of Maryland Global Campus.