Does being a military kid mean Free College?

Hey, my father has served in the military for quite some time now and I've heard whispers about something like free college for children of military personnel. Is that a thing or am I mistaken? Also, are there any conditions or restrictions tied to it?

Children of military personnel do often have opportunities for financial aid that can help cover the costs of college, but it's not universally "free." The availability of these benefits can vary depending on your specific circumstances.

For example, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, veterans who have served at least 6 years can transfer their benefits to a dependent, which could potentially cover a significant portion of your tuition and fees. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers up to 36 months of education benefits, including tuition, a housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies. However, your parent must agree to an additional 4 years of service in order for you to receive these benefits.

Also, the Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.

Keep in mind that these benefits don't always cover the full cost of attending college, particularly if you're interested in attending a private institution or out-of-state public university. However, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help bridge the gap for those attending schools where tuition exceeds the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition.

Several states also have programs that provide tuition assistance or waivers for dependents of veterans. The eligibility requirements and benefits of these programs can vary widely, so you'll want to look into the specific programs offered by your state.

Moreover, there are numerous scholarships exclusively available to military dependents. For example, the Scholarships for Military Children Program, which awards $2000 scholarships to selected applicants.

So, while being a military dependent doesn't guarantee free college, there are numerous resources available to help you offset the costs. I would suggest speaking with your school counselor about these and other possibilities, and doing some research on your own to see what you might be eligible for.