it's a perk of being in the military - it's not a requirement. but that brings up the question"maybe you shouldn't have to pay for your education in blood.
why is college so expensive?
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-is-college-so-expensive-2018-4
the ultimate driver of cost, Vedder said, is the sheer number of people vying for a college education. Higher enrollment has brought an expansion of financial-aid programs, a need to increase budgets for faculty pay and on-campus student services, and a decline in financial support from state governments.