Talk to all the recruiters and find out for yourself. i could sit here and tell you why I think the marines are the best and why I plan on reenlisting in a few months, however I have found the Marine lifestyle to be fitting and not much unlike my own, other people wouldnt last a week in the Marines. Not saying it is harder it is just a different work ethic and life view point.
Any branch will pay for your college, and every branch has the same pay scale so dont let anyone tell you differently.
I have been in for 6years now and have served with every service, and been stationed on every type of base there is. Air force gets the most money, however it is considered the civilian side of the military. Marines are the "tip of the spear" but get all the other services broken and unwanted gear.
The main difference between the Marines and the Army is that the Marines are a rapid action force, they go in fuck shit up and leave (hopefully before the country really has time to react) the Army on the other hand is considered to be more of an occupying force. They come in set up camp, kill all the bad guys and help to rebuild, according to paper.
However most of that went out the fucking door with the Iraq and Afghan war. the Marines were utilized in the way the Army is supposed to be, because the war was so haphazardly thrown together and not thought out. anyways thats a completly different topic lol.
Like I said no one on here is gonna be able to tell you if you should join or not or wether you should join one service or another, if your heart isnt into joining the Marines then dont do it, God knows I wouldnt want someone in my Corps who doesnt want to actually be there and work hard and do their part.
DONT JOIN JUST FOR FREE COLLEGE, you will end up hating everyday of your life for the entire 5 year contract, most likely you wont want to do anything your told, will continuesly punished, never get promoted, and get out 5 years later with a horrible experience and no college degree. Seen it happen soo many times. heed my warning... but you wont