Do Some Colleges Give Discounts to Military Families?

Yo, I'm a junior and my folks are in the military. I was wondering if colleges give any discounts to military families, or have programs to help with tuition? Thanks in advance!

Absolutely, many colleges do offer discounts or benefits to military families as a way of thanking them for their service. This is most often facilitated through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover a significant portion of your college expenses if a parent transfers their benefits to you. The GI Bill includes a provision called the Yellow Ribbon Program that can help to cover the remaining costs at many private universities and out-of-state public schools.

In addition to the GI Bill, there are also scholarships and grants available specifically for military children. These can vary by state and institution, but some nationwide examples include the Scholarships for Military Children Program and funds from the Military Officers Association of America.

Furthermore, military-affiliated students could potentially qualify for in-state tuition rates in public universities, irrespective of their state of residence, due to the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. This can result in substantial savings as it allows out-of-state students to pay tuition at the (usually much cheaper) in-state rate.

Finally, don't forget to fill out the FAFSA as well. The federal government provides a variety of grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans to eligible students. This can supplement any military-related benefits and further reduce the cost of your education.

Remember that while these benefits can provide substantial assistance, they won't cover every expense—room and board, books, and personal expenses may still need to be paid out-of-pocket. It's always best to reach out to the financial aid offices of the universities you're interested in attending to understand what benefits they offer for military families.