Using Military Benefits to Pay for College

I am starting my college search and my parents are in the military. I know there might be military benefits that can be used to help pay for college. But, how does that work? Can anyone shed light on this?

Sure, I'd be happy to shed some light on this! It's excellent that you're considering military benefits to finance your college education. There are indeed several programs available for families of active duty military personnel.

The first and most well-known is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. If your parent qualifies, this bill can cover up to 100% of your tuition fees (the amount varies according to several factors). The money can generally also be used to cover certain fees, such as obligatory health fees, student activity fees, and lab fees.

It's worth noting that in order for a parent to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a child, the parent must have served in the military for at least six years and agree to serve four more years. The transfer must also be done before the parent leaves the military.

Another possible resource is the Military Spouse and Dependent Scholarship (also known as MyCAA), which provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses or dependents pursuing a license, certification, or associate's degree in a portable career field.

Finally, each branch of the military has its own scholarship programs. For example, the Army offers scholarships through its ROTC program to college students who commit to serving in the military after they graduate. They provide full-tuition scholarships, as well as an annual stipend for living expenses.

Keep in mind that these are just a few examples of the many resources available for military dependents, and there could be additional state-specific or school-specific benefits as well. Always ensure to check with the financial aid office at the colleges you’re considering to get the most accurate and comprehensive information.

Remember that the process can sometimes be complicated, so getting a head start on understanding it is a wise move. Best of luck with your college search!