Hi there. Both my parents served in the military. I was wondering, are there colleges that offer specific scholarships or financial aid for children of parents who served in the military? What do I have to do to get these aids? Appreciate any help!
Yes, absolutely! Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships or financial aid to children of military veterans. Some colleges have tuition discounts for military families, and others have specific scholarships for military dependents. The details vary widely, so it's a good idea to directly reach out to the financial aid offices of the colleges you're interested in for the most precise information.
In addition to scholarships offered by specific schools, there are a couple of federal tuition assistance programs you may qualify for:
1. Post-9/11 GI Bill: If your parents served on active duty for at least 90 days since Sept. 10, 2001, they could transfer their benefits to you. The benefit can cover full tuition and fees at public colleges for in-state students, or up to a certain amount per academic year for private or foreign schools.
2. Fry Scholarship: This provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001.
In order to access these aids, you would need to apply through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. You'll need to fill out an "Application for Family Member to Use Transferred Benefits" form, typically referred to as VA Form 22-1990e.
Lastly, don't forget to explore local community foundations, as well as organizations that may offer scholarships for descendants of military veterans. These scholarships typically look at academic performance, community involvement, and may require an essay on a related topic.
Please note that you typically have to adhere to deadlines when applying for scholarships or financial aid, so make sure to create a calendar or reminder system to help you apply on time. Good luck!
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