Hey there, trying to navigate financial aid as a military serviceman who's also attending college. I'm 35 - does that impact what kind of aid I can get? Any advice or resources on the topic?
Firstly, I would recommend filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you have not already done so. Regardless of age, the FAFSA is your starting point for accessing federal student aid, which can take the form of grants, loans, and work-study funds. Based on your application, they will calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI) which will determine your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
As an active military serviceman, there are specific avenues of financial aid you can explore. For instance, there's the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a federal initiative that provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
You may also be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. This is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows approved institutions of higher learning and the VA to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the established thresholds under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
In addition to these programs, service members may also be eligible for the Tuition Assistance program. This is a military benefit that pays the cost of tuition and some fees. It's remarkably inclusive, covering 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing up to $250 with an annual maximum of $4,500.
Lastly, you can look into scholarships for military service members. Different organizations (like the American Legion, AMVETS, and the Pat Tillman Foundation) offer scholarships for active duty military members and veterans.
Oftentimes, schools have financial aid counselors who are well-versed in this area and can help navigate these options as well. Remember, being a non-traditional student (in your case, being 35) doesn't limit your access to financial aid!
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