Opportunity for military spouses to attend college for free?

Hey there, I heard a rumor about military spouses being able to attend college for free. Is this true? If so, could someone provide more info on this? Thanks!

This is a common inquiry for military families. Because each service branch has its own education programs for dependents (including spouses), it's difficult to state universally that "military spouses attend college for free" – although several funding opportunities do exist for you to explore.

A popular one is the MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts). The MyCAA provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses, or credentials that lead to employment in portable career fields. However, the servicemember has to be within certain pay grades (E1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, O-1 to O-3) for their spouse to be eligible.

Another resource to look into would be scholarships specifically designed for military spouses. Organizations such as the National Military Family Association and Thanks USA grant scholarships for spouses, which can greatly help reduce the tuition burden.

Lastly, you may want to check with the individual colleges themselves. Several colleges and universities have tuition discount programs or in-state tuition for military spouses, including out-of-state spouses who are stationed in their state.

Keep in mind that while these resources can significantly offset the cost of higher education, they don't necessarily make it free. Review every opportunity carefully to understand what costs are covered and which are not, and don't be afraid to research other sources of aid that are unrelated to your spouse's military status, such as the need-based aid awarded by the FAFSA. These other opportunities can supplement the aid you receive from the sources listed above - every little bit helps!