Still something wrong.
I mean, a judge wouldn't offer a criminal the choice of going to jail or going to Harvard.
I think going to Harvard (paid or not) is a lot different that becoming property of the U.S. Navy for 4 years.
You go where they send you, you eat when they let you, you sleep when they give you a bunk. Hair cut, facial hair regulated, cloths assigned, drug tests and responsibility that left un attended can put you in the Brig for a long time.
You cannot walk away from the Navy in 6 months if you don't like it or want to pursue other interests.
Big difference in my book.
I should point out that we are talking about minor offense by minors. I do not think any felony qualifies.
These are just trouble kids who can sit in juvy or jail for 6 months to a year or join up for 4 years.