Military College Grants: How do They Work?

Hi, I'm wondering about military college grants. How do these work, and who can apply for them? Can they be used alongside the GI Bill or other forms of military funding?

Military college grants are a type of financial aid specifically for military personnel, veterans, and their dependents. These grants, much like other grants, do not have to be repaid and are designed to make higher education more accessible to those connected with the military.

One of the key military grants is the Federal Pell Grant which can provide up to $7,395 for the 2024-2025 award year for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Active duty military, veterans, and dependents may apply for this grant through Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

There are also Military Service Grants available for students who lost a parent or spouse in military service, in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.

As for if they can be used alongside the GI Bill or other forms of military funding - yes, they can. The GI Bill, which provides funds for college, business technical or vocational school, correspondence school, apprenticeship/job training, and flight training, can often be used concurrently with these grants. However, the specifics can depend on the type of GI Bill you're accessing (Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, etc.) and also the nature of the grant. It's always a good idea to talk with a financial aid counselor or a military education specialist to understand how these benefits can be combined.

Hope this helps shed some light on your question!