College Benefits for Military Families

My family has a long history of military service - does anyone know of any specific benefits or opportunities that colleges offer to military families?

Absolutely, there are several benefits and opportunities that colleges offer to military families. They come in the form of financial assistance, credit transfers, specialized programs, and more.

One significant benefit for military families is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Another resource is the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program is a supplement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which caps tuition and fees at public in-state rates. If you attend a private or out-of-state school, the Yellow Ribbon Program could make up the difference. Participating institutions agree to make additional funds available without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.

You might want to explore the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) as well. It's a study program that provides up to $4,000 of Financial Assistance to eligible military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification, or associate's degree in certain portable career fields and occupations.

For students who are dependents of military personnel, there's the Fry Scholarship, which provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.

Many colleges also offer flexible scheduling or online programs for military personnel and their families. They may also have support offices specifically to assist veterans and active-duty service members.

Lastly, don't forget about military-friendly scholarships. These scholarships are specifically designed to assist military personnel, veterans, and their families with the cost of higher education. Examples include: the AMVETS National Scholarship Program, the Heroes' Legacy Scholarship, and the Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarship.

Keep in mind that these benefits vary by institution and military status, so it's best to check in with the financial aid offices at your prospective schools for more tailored guidance.