The Air Force Academy is one of the best academic institutions in the world, valued at over $416,000 and is one of the only educations that is completely free. However, that is not the only financial benefit you get when you accept the challenge of being a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy. Keep scrolling to learn all the ways you make and save money while as a cadet and after graduation.
What you gain from usafa
BASE PAY AS A CADET
As a cadet at the Academy, you will be paid roughly $16,000 a year to attend school. You will have no out of pocket expenses in your four years as a cadet. For more info on the pay scale as a cadet click below:
Career Kick-off Loan
Once you start your junior year, you will receive a $37k loan with a 0.75% interest rate that you will not have to begin paying back until August after you graduate. You receive this money in a lump sum and can use it for anything you wish. Our players have used this to buy cars, invest in the market, and many other investments.
$80,000 compensation upon graduation
Upon graduation, you are a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air or Space Force. All officers pay is broken into two categories, base pay and allowances. Your base pay is taxed based on federal and state income tax rules. Allowances are tax free and comprised of housing, food, and specialty roles or jobs. This means 40-45% of your pay is tax free. When you consider what is called your “total compensation” on average, your pay is greater upon graduation than any other school in the country. Other things to consider: retirement matching, all medical benefits covered without question for ourself, kids, and spouse. You also will have the best pension plan with regards to lifelong payout and benefits.
Graduate School opportunities
Grad school opportunities after the academy are fully funded. 100% scholarship to go to school full time and not work. Additionally, you are paid your full salary, housing allowance, and benefits the whole time. While others are not working, spending their savings to live, and paying $200k for school, you are living your best life being paid to go to school for free.
post 9/11 GI Bill
If you decide to stay in the service for 7 years, you get the Post 9/11 GI Bill. The Post 9/11 GI Bill has several components, including up to 100% tuition, monthly housing allowance up to $1000/year for books and supplies, and most importantly, the ability to transfer this to family members, including your future children. That means if you stay in for 7 years, your kids can go to school for free.
Building a Real Estate Portfolio
The VA Loan allows anyone who serves to purchase a home with zero money down, and lower interest rates. You can then use this benefit again and again every 12 months if you choose to do so. This can allow you to build a tremendous real estate portfolio without having to save for years in order to afford a down payment. Click below to learn more about how to use your VA Loan.
Developing Leaders of Character
When you add it all up, attending the Air Force Academy is a Million dollar decision. There is no other financial opportunity like this in the world. You are asked to be a leader in our country and in our military, and you are compensated accordingly. Will you accept the challenge?