Hey everyone! My mom has been in the army for almost 20 years now and I'm soon starting to apply to colleges. One of the top schools on my list is in Alabama, but we're worried about the cost. Does anyone know if there are benefits or discounts on tuition for kids of military personnel? I'd appreciate any advice, thanks!
Given that your mom is in the military, you might qualify for certain educational benefits which can help mitigate the high cost of college tuition. In the state of Alabama, different benefits cover military personnel's dependents.
One of these benefits is the Alabama GI Dependent Scholarship Program. This program, administered by the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, covers the cost of tuition, textbooks, and fees at state-supported universities and colleges in Alabama. It's designed for dependents, such as you, of veterans who are either missing in action, deceased, or 100% permanently disabled from a service-connected disability. The veteran must also have had permanent residency in Alabama at the time of their entry into military service or for at least one year prior to the application. While there is no mention of military branch criteria, it would be wise to confirm eligibility considering your mother is still serving.
Additionally, several universities and colleges in Alabama offer scholarships for military dependents. For instance, the University of Alabama has financial assistance options for dependents and spouses of military veterans. These might consist of need-based scholarships, merit-based scholarships, grants, or work-study opportunities.
To confirm the specific benefits that apply to you, consider contacting the financial aid offices of the colleges you're interested in attending, or the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. You can also discuss with your mother's military branch or service education and family assistance center, who can provide more information about military benefits and how they can assist with college expenses.
It's important to start this inquiry and application process as early as possible to ensure you don't miss out on any potential financial aid opportunities. Just note that benefits may vary and are subject to specific eligibility requirements. Best of luck with your college applications!
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