I'm an active-duty serviceman eager to night school. I could really use some financial assistance. Are there any grants that service people like me can apply for?
Absolutely, there are numerous grants and scholarship programs available for active-duty military personnel.
One of the largest educational benefits for U.S. service members is the Tuition Assistance Program. This program pays for up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. There's a cap of $4500 per fiscal year and it covers tuition and certain fees.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is another robust program that can cover up to 100% of your tuition and fees if you've served at least 36 cumulative months active duty. The bill comes with housing allowance and other benefits too if you're going to school more than half time.
You can also look into service-specific scholarships that your branch of the military might have. For instance, the Army provides the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) scholarships that cover full tuition and provide a monthly living stipend.
And don't forget about the Military Spouse and Family Benefits known as MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account). While this program is more for military spouses, it's still worth mentioning and looking into if it applies to your situation.
Lastly, check out the Federal Pell Grant, which is available to all U.S. students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The funds from Pell Grants can be used exclusively for tuition, fees, and often, room and board.
Just remember that these benefits often require you to be enrolled in an accredited program. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements for each program before applying. There are many resources out there for active-duty military personnel, and I commend you on your decision to go to college while serving. Best of luck!
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