How do grant programs work for dependents of military members?

My parents were in the military, does that make me eligible for any special grants when applying to colleges? Trying to figure out the financial aspect since it's kind of daunting. Any info would be helpful!

Yes, as a military dependent, there are several unique grant programs available to you. These grants are typically given on a need-basis, meaning that they're awarded based on your family's financial situation, just like many other forms of financial aid.

For military-specific grants, if one (or both) of your parents served in the military, you might be eligible for aid from the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. This grant applies to students whose parents served in Iraq or Afghanistan and passed away as a result of their service after September 11, 2001.

Another example comes from the Army Emergency Relief program. They offer the MG James Ursano Scholarship Program for dependents of active, retired, or deceased soldiers. The award amount varies, and it's both need-based and merit-based. There's also the Thanks USA Scholarship Program for military dependents, which awards up to $3,000 based on financial need, academic performance, and community service.

Lastly, many states also offer grant programs for dependents of veterans or active military members, so it's worth checking out your specific state's veteran affairs office or website. These programs and their eligibility requirements can vary widely from state to state.

Remember to also fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible. There are plenty of other sources of aid out there that aren't related to military dependency, and the FAFSA is used to award most of them.

For example, the Federal Pell Grant program gives up to $7,395 to students demonstrating significant financial need during the 2024-2025 school year. The exact amount you receive depends on factors like financial need, cost of attendance, whether you attend school full-time or part-time, and more. These kinds of programs can supplement the aid you receive as a result of your military dependency.

Good luck as you navigate the financial aspects of your college journey! It can certainly feel overwhelming, but there are many resources available for military dependents.