Education for military spouses: How does that work?

Hi, my boyfriend is seriously considering joining the military, and if that happens, we're planning on getting married sooner rather than later. I'm curious if there are any college opportunities or scholarships specifically for military spouses. Any advice would be appreciated!

Yes, there are numerous educational assistance programs available for military spouses. Here are a few that are quite common:

1. The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship: This scholarship offers up to $4,000 for military spouses who are seeking an associate's degree, licensure, or certification program. It's available to spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2, and those who can start and complete their coursework while their military sponsor is on Title10 military orders.

2. Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer: Service members who don't plan on using all of their benefits can choose to transfer them to a spouse or dependent. They need to be in the service for at least 6 years and agree to a 4-year service commitment in order to transfer benefits. The benefits can be used for undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational and technical training, licensing, among others.

3. Scholarships: There are various private organizations that provide scholarships specifically for military spouses. For example, the National Military Family Association offers scholarships to military spouses going for a professional certification, licensure or associate’s degree.

Ensure to reach out to the base's family center or education office for more information, as they can help guide you through the process and application for each program.

Remember that the availability of these benefits can vary depending on the branch of service and other factors. Consulting with the military's education services can provide the most up-to-date and relevant information for your specific situation.

It's also important to remember that opting for higher education as a military spouse can come with its own set of unique challenges, such as maintaining a consistent course of study despite frequent moves. Online courses or programs specific to military-friendly schools can be a good way to mitigate some of these challenges.

Finally, it's great your boyfriend is considering serving, but ensure this is a decision you both are comfortable with and have considered all its implications, including your personal and professional development. Your education and career journey are important, so take the time to explore all the resources available to you as a military spouse.