For many psychology students, a military post is financially attractive. Across all three services, interns receive the pay and benefits of an officer at the military's O-3 rank, with salaries at some locations exceeding $70,000 a year. Interns receive a tax-free housing allowance, free medical and dental care, moving expenses, 30 days of paid leave, and commissary and post-exchange privileges.
The Army and Air Force also offer the Health Professions Scholarship Program, which pays for tuition, books and fees for the final two years of a doctoral program, plus a monthly stipend of $1,900 for participating students. In a bid to compete, the Navy starts offering the scholarship next year. In exchange, Navy and Air Force psychologists must serve at least three years on active duty after their internships are complete. For Army psychologists, the three-year commitment starts following licensure.
