Would you get a degree for an extra $500 a week?

I retired in 2000 with a HS diploma. In my hometown, Nashville, I had very few connections other than family who had never attended college and had regular hourly wage jobs. So, my first job after retiring was as a warehouse manager for a mom-n-pop computer wholesale company making $11.00/hour. When I say, warehouse manager, I basically managed myself, shipped and received product, and maintained inventory.

Shortly thereafter, I received word from the VA that I was eligible to attend college under Vocational Rehab because I could no longer work in my MOS (metalworker 44B/44E) with my disabilities at substantial employment levels. I received an AA in Communication Technology (networking computers) and a BA in Management and Human Relations from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville. Both degrees were paid in full by the VA including books, lab fees, paper, pens, computer programs, scientific calculators, etc. During the degree programs, I worked for the State of Tennessee as an Unemployment Interviewer and Adjudicator, and then as a Training Coordinator. After getting the degree, I was hired by Social Security as a Senior Case Technician working disability claims. I started that job as a GS-5 and worked my way to a GS-8.

My wife was working for Trevecca Nazarene University and they offered a benefit of paying for a spouse to get either a Bachelor's or Master's. I received a Master's of Science in Management in 2011 and was promoted in Social Security as a Paralegal Analyst writing disability decisions for Administrative Law Judges. The position is a GS-9/11/12. Basically, my pay increased an average of $10,000 a year during the first three years as a Paralegal.

I must also add that Voc Rehab not only pays for the college education, but also pays the veteran to attend college. I was receiving around $900 a month (tax free) as a full time student.

Was it difficult to obtain the college degree's while working full time? YES!!!! Was it worth it? DEFINITELY!!!

All depends on the cost of the degree, and the total income, would be nice to get an extra 500 a week IF and only if the total cost of the degree is less than that 500 dollars a week. It may seem odd but there are people who go to a fancy school to study a field that at the top income level still won't pay off the cost of that degree. So you really have to consider where you get the degree and the cost vs the field of study and the total earnings potential.

Soldiers have the opportunities to use the Ed center to get a free bachelors degree, I don't understand why it is not taken more advantage of...

Yes, and it worked for me! When I first Joined the Army I was a High School Dropout that really Didn't care to pursue college, with my (Stupid) mindset i did not participate in the VEAP program. A year or so After ETS I went back into the service and the latest and greatest Montgomery GI Bill was availiable but not to me, because of the decision I made in 1979. Well anyways It took me near 16 years with Tuition assistance to recieve a bachelors degree and I made out great!

I was told as a shiny new PFC that a degree was virtually "required" if I ever wanted to be a career NCO. I don't know what the education benefits are now, but the Army was paying 80% to 100% of college tuition excluding elective lab fees for serving members, outside of and separate to the GI Bill. So if you had the time to take classes, you could take as many as able during your tour/s, and then use the GI Bill afterward. Combined with some of the credits given by the education program for military service, that's a pretty weighty benefit.

So honestly, I don't see a reason why younger troops shouldn't be leaving the service with at least an Associates degree in a four-year tour.

Plus a degree is something you take with you...forever, no one can take it away. Less than 25% of the population gets a first degree, and less than 2% gets a Masters', and less than .01% get a Doctorate....this guy is that .01%. Believe me, even with the school debt, it is worth it

Argosy University Twin Cities gives life experience credits, takes JSTs, accepts VA benefits, and gives 20% deal for active, reserve, or vets. Has accredited 100% online too! Associates-Doctoral.

I was two classes away from my MBA when I retired from the Marines, and it allowed me to compete against military officers who had 4-8 years active duty. I became even more qualified because of my 20 years in maintenance management, and allowed me to walk into a six figure job upon retirement as a maintenance supervisor.

Degrees may not be worth an exact amount in all situations, but I have a buddy, who although he has more than enough experience to move from a superintendent position to the office manager position, they will not let him apply because he doesn't have a Bachelor's Degree. Knowing this guy, in this situation, he is more than qualified, but the lack of the degree is holding him back. Although he is already earning six figures, he would earn well more if he was promoted, and it could be another $26k ($500 a week), especially after annual bonuses and all, so it is a definitely a financial gain to have a degree.

Yes