Are there Tuition Perks for Military Families?

So I come from a military family and I'm in the process of starting my college applications. Just trying to figure out if there are certain benefits or discounts in terms of college tuition for families like ours. Any insights would really be of great help.

Indeed, there are a number of ways that your military background can provide financial assistance for your college education. Three of the most significant programs are the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and MyCAA – let's break them down.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members (both active duty and veterans) and their families (spouses and children). These benefits can cover tuition and fees, housing, and even a stipend for books and supplies. To qualify for the full benefit, the service member must have served a minimum of 36 months. However, benefits may be prorated for lesser periods of active service.

The Yellow Ribbon Program comes into play if you're looking at a more expensive private institution or out-of-state school. If the tuition cost exceeds the state tuition cap provided by the GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help meet those extra costs. Participating schools voluntarily either match a certain amount of those extra funds or cover them completely, and the VA matches the school's contribution.

MyCAA is a program for military spouses, offering up to $4,000 for career education or associate degree programs in certain fields.

It's also worth looking at the scholarships or tuition discounts that individual colleges may offer to military families. Many, like Syracuse University, have a dedicated Office of Veteran and Military Affairs which can guide you toward any tuition aids tailored for your situation.

It's always good to talk with a counselor knowledgeable about these benefits or the educational services staff at your parent's duty station. They can help guide you through the application process for these benefits and other local grants or scholarships that may be available.