Hi guys, I am a high school junior and my parents have both served in the military. I wonder if there are any college benefits for children of military personnel - do we get any sort of tuition discount or scholarships?
Absolutely, being a child of military personnel can provide you with access to several education benefits and scholarships. Here are a few that you might want to consider:
1. GI Bill Transfer of Benefits: If your parents haven't used all of their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, they may have the option to transfer the remaining benefits to you. This can cover tuition and fees at most colleges and universities and also provides an allowance for housing and books.
2. Fry Scholarship: If a parent has died in the line of duty since September 10, 2001, a child may be eligible for the Fry Scholarship (also part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill), which covers up to 36 months of benefits, including full tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
3. Service-specific scholarships: Each branch of the military also has its own scholarships and aid for dependents. For example, the Army Emergency Relief maintains the MG James Ursano Scholarship Program for dependent children of active, retired, or deceased Army soldiers.
4. State-specific benefits: Many states have their own assistance programs for children of veterans. These assistance programs can range from full tuition coverage to smaller scholarships - it's something definitely worth looking into.
5. Private scholarships: There are additional scholarships sponsored by private organizations for children of military service members, like the AMVETS National Scholarship Program and the Military Child of the Year Award.
Remember that application processes and eligibility requirements can vary greatly between these options, so it's vital to conduct your own research well ahead of any deadlines. Lastly, don't forget to reach out to the financial aid department at the colleges you're interested in - they can provide information on any additional scholarships or aid available to military dependents.
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