Hey folks, I'm a junior whose parent is serving in the military. I've been starting to seriously think about college (class of 2026 yay!) and I'm curious about whether there is any financial assistance or scholarships that are available specifically for dependents of military personnel. Any information or tips on this would be greatly appreciated!
Absolutely, there are numerous financial assistance programs and scholarships available specifically for dependents of military personnel. Just to name a few prominent ones:
1. Post-9/11 GI Bill: This option allows military personnel to transfer benefits to their dependents. If your parent is eligible and chooses to transfer their benefits, this could cover part of or even your full tuition.
2. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA): If you're a child of a veteran who died while on active duty or as the result of a service-related condition, you might be eligible for this benefit.
3. Military Dependent Scholarship List: Organizations such as the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Army Scholarship Foundation, and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offer scholarships specifically for military dependents. Some, like the American Legion Auxiliary and Fisher House Foundation, even offer scholarships for grandchildren of veterans.
4. State-specific aid: Some states offer additional assistance for military dependents. It would be beneficial to research the benefits offered by your specific state.
When pursuing these scholarships and aid, ensure that you meet all the qualifying criteria. It's also recommended to start the application process early, as several of these programs have deadlines a year in advance. It's also essential to continue your search for scholarships and do your due diligence in seeking out other forms of aid to maximize your potential assistance.
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