Verified answer

The Coast Guard Reserve (along with the Marine Reserve and Navy Reserve) is the absolute worst option if you are looking at education benefits

All you will get in the Coast Guard Reserve (and USMCR and USNR) is the Reserve GI Bill....$353.00 a month for 36 months

In every other Reserve component and the National Guard you will also get Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) as well as the Reserve GI Bill. FTA is $4500.00 a year.

In the Army National Guard and Air National Guard...not only do you get all of the above...you will also get additional STATE benefits that you will not get in the Reserve...such as 100% tuition waiver at all state colleges and universities

Like I said...if education benefits is a prime factor in you joining...the Coast Guard Reserve is the last place you want to screw around with

I recommend you look into the Air National Guard or Army National Guard

Honestly don't join Military if your only focus is to join just for school is selfish. You join because you want to represent your country and potentially save lives in the Coast Guard. Just file for financial aid and go to a community college. And asking how hard physically it is are you kidding me? ITS BOOT CAMP!!!! You are going to be pushed to your limits!

1) I am a girl.

You will never once be held to the men's minimum "not getting thrown out" standard and there is only a statistically insignificant chance you will ever meet it. You will be a liability to whatever Unit is unfortunate-enough to get stuck with you.

2) One of my main reasons of the thought was paying for college.

You will pray every day for an early discharge or for death - and will have no strong preference for which.

1+2 = STAY THE HELL OUT OF THE SERVICE

Please keep in mind this is a serious answer.

National Guard would be a better option to pay for college. However all services including Coast Guard will let you use GI bill to pay tuition.