My folks are a military couple and, inspired by them, I intend to follow in their footprints. I also realize there's an entirely different layer of support and resilience required from military spouses. I want to study online, so i'm seeking guidance on cost-efficient online college options tailored towards military spouses. Any thoughts or suggestions are highly appreciated!
Absolutely, supporting a career in the military while pursuing higher education presents its own unique set of challenges, but there are different resources available to help you navigate this path. For military spouses, there are numerous online college opportunities, some of which even offer military discounts or provide unique services to military families.
It might be worth looking into educational institutions that have the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program. MyCAA is an employment assistance program that offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing licenses, certificates, or degrees in a portable career field and occupation.
Many online schools, like Southern New Hampshire University, University of Maryland Global Campus, and American Military University, are noted for their commitment to military families. They may offer partial or full tuition discounts for military spouses, transfer credit for military training, flexible program options, and access to academic advisors and support centers who understand the challenges and circumstances of military students and their families.
In terms of specific degrees, consider fields that are considered "portable" and flexible in terms of working conditions or locations. These could include healthcare, education, business administration, or even various technology fields.
Remember that financial aid isn't limited to military-specific programs. You should also fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for any federal student aid or grants. Colleges themselves may also have financial aid or scholarship opportunities that you might be eligible for. Check with each school's financial aid office for information.
Online college is definitely a viable and flexible option for military spouses and it's great that you're planning this. You'll want to research each school and make sure their offerings align with your career and academic goals. I wish you the best of luck in your journey!
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