California College Benefits for Children of Military Personnel

Hi! I'm a high school junior and a military kid from California. I've heard there's some sort of college benefit specifically for folks like me in this state. Any info on this, guys?

Indeed, as a child of military personnel, you may be eligible for certain in-state benefits if you're considering attending college in California. The California Veterans Resource Book provides a comprehensive overview of all the benefits you may be eligible for as a dependent.

One notable program is the California College Fee Waiver Program. If your parent is a disabled veteran with a service-related disability, you could have your college fees waived at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. It's important to note that this waiver only applies to the system-wide tuition fee. You might still have to pay campus-based fees.

Also, if you've lived in California for at least one year and your military parent is active duty stationed elsewhere, you could be eligible for in-state tuition at public universities. This is due to the “Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act,” which guarantees in-state tuition to active-duty military families in their state of legal residence, even when stationed elsewhere. You'll need to check with your preferred institution's residency office for details on this one.

On top of this, scholarships can be a valuable resource. The ThanksUSA Scholarship, for example, is awarded to dependents of U.S. military service personnel. This isn't California-specific, but it's worth checking out.

Remember to reach out to your chosen college's financial aid office and ask about any available resources or benefits for dependents of military personnel. They will have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Don't forget to also fill out the FAFSA, as you might qualify for federal or state grants.

Keep up the great work in your junior year and good luck with your college journey!