A graduate of Hopewell Valley Central High School in New Jersey (NJ), Ben Markulec is enrolled in the Virginia Military Institute, where he is working toward earning a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. To prepare for his career in the armed forces, Hopewell-based Ben Markulec completed a full college-preparatory academic course load, including Introduction to Engineering Design, US History II, honors Latin, physics, and Algebra II. His academic accomplishments include a 2017 National Latin Exam Honors and 3rd place in a New Jersey Society of the American Revolution junior-citizen stamp contest.

While in high school, Markulec also pursued wrestling and football. As a wrestler, he was a four-year varsity letter winner, a senior captain, and a two-time Mercer County Tournament Champion. He was also a Region 5 qualifier in 2017 and 2018. His overall wrestling record was the 11th best in the history of the high school. As a varsity football player, he also achieved distinction as a three-season letter winner and was named the 2014 Freshman Lineman of the Year.