I will be joining the military soon and I'm eager to pursue higher education. I've heard about college grants available specifically for active duty military. Does anyone have any information on these? How can I apply?
Active duty military personnel are indeed eligible for several types of grants to assist in pursuing higher education. One of the primary forms of educational funding for active duty military is the Tuition Assistance (TA) program. This program can pay up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. Courses and degree programs may be academic or technical and could be taken from two- or four-year institutions, on-campus or online. You'd generally apply for TA through your branch of service. Another key resource is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides up to 36 months of education benefits, covering tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for textbooks and supplies for up to $1,000 per year.
Finally, you can also apply for Federal Student Aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pell Grants, for instance, are need-based federal grants that don't need to be repaid and can be used in addition to any military education benefits you're receiving.
Each service branch manages its TA program slightly differently, and requirements can change. Check with your education service officer (ESO) or counselor within your respective service prior to enrolling to get the most accurate and up-to-date information about your eligibility. Remember to start these processes with plenty of time before you plan to begin classes since it can take time to access the TA and GI Bill benefits, as well as for the FAFSA to process.
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