Can military dependents attend college for free?

Hey all, both of my parents are in the military and I've heard that as a military dependent, I may be eligible for some benefits when it comes to college costs. Do any of you know if I could potentially attend college for free based on their military service? Thanks in advance for any info!

While having military parents can certainly make you eligible for numerous scholarships and grants, it's important to note that not all military dependents can attend college for free just by virtue of their parent's military service. The benefits you might receive largely depend on the specifics of your parents' service and the particular programs that they may have opted into.

One key benefit you should investigate is the Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer. This benefit allows servicemembers to transfer all or some of their benefits to their dependent(s), which can cover tuition, housing, and provide a stipend for books and supplies to those attending school. However, this is subject to certain service requirements.

You might also consider looking into the Military Dependent Scholarship (also known as the MyCAA Scholarship) which can provide up to $4,000 over 2 years for military spouses pursuing licenses or certificates necessary for the portable fields of work.

In addition, state-specific programs often provide further tuition assistance to military dependents. For example, some states waive public university tuition for dependents of veterans who are fully disabled, missing in action, or who died while serving.

Lastly, there are many private scholarships available specifically for military dependents, such as the ThanksUSA Scholarship Program and the Fisher House Foundation's "Heroes' Legacy Scholarships". These scholarships often require separate applications and may have specific eligibility criteria.

In summary, while tuition-free college isn't guaranteed, there's a wealth of financial aid options for military dependents. Prioritize understanding what specific benefits your family is eligible for and research all potential scholarships you apply to. Good luck!