When do you need the money for college? Do you have enough time to save up that much money on your own if you get out six months early. Take a look at the interest rates on education loans and what you would have to pay to finance costs. IMHO having a bird in hand with the GI Bill is worth two in the bush (sts). If you have already been hired this might be a tougher question, if not I would take the GI bill and run. My son starts college in two weeks and using the GI bill, even at 60% this will get him $16k a year in benefits. Also, be very careful about assuming you are going to be an international wide-body captain. Anything can happen in this business.