My parent is in the military, and I'm searching for financial aid options. I've heard there's some specifically for military dependents. Anyone know the specifics?
Indeed, there are a number of financial aid opportunities specifically for military dependents. One resource that comes to mind is the Department of Defense's (DoD) Military Dependent Scholarship, which caters to dependents of active-duty service members, reserve/guard members, and retirees.
There's also the Fry Scholarship, which is provided by the U.S. Department Department of Veterans Affairs for the children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. This scholarship covers the total cost of attendance at public schools (and a predetermined amount for private or international schools) for up to 36 months.
Similarly, the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program offers up to 45 months of education benefits to dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty as a result of a service-related condition.
Don't forget to apply also for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's a required step for most scholarships and grants, even ones for military dependents. Depending on your family's income, you may be eligible for federal grants like the Pell Grant, or federally-subsidized loans.
Lastly, many states also provide benefits for military families - these benefits range from tuition waivers to scholarships, so it's worthwhile to research what your specific state might offer.
Please note that eligibility for these programs can be complex and is determined by a number of factors, including the service status of your military parent and the degree of sacrifice your family has made in service to the country. You should read the eligibility requirements for each potential source of aid carefully.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.