Hey guys, my parent is in the military and I've heard something about military dependents possibly getting free college. Is this a thing? If so, could anyone provide me with some info about it? And especially if you're a military dependent who has benefited from it, I'd really appreciate your insight!
Absolutely, military dependents can certainly qualify for some educational benefits that could, in many situations, equate to free or significantly reduced tuition. Here's an outline of some you may be eligible for:
1. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33): If your parent has served 90 days or more of active duty service after September 10, 2001, they can qualify for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Notably, these benefits can be transferred to dependents if the service member has served at least six years in the military and agrees to serve four more. Benefits include full tuition at public universities and a capped amount at private ones, a living stipend, and money for books.
2. Yellow Ribbon Program: If your parent is 100% eligible for post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you may also be able to leverage the Yellow Ribbon Program at participating schools. This program can make private schools, out-of-state schools, or graduate programs more affordable by possibly providing extra funds for tuition and fees that exceed the amounts covered by the GI Bill.
3. Survivors & Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35): If your parent was permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or they died while on active duty, you might qualify for DEA benefits.
Keep in mind, these are not automatically given and you will need to apply to receive these benefits. Every benefit has its own set of eligibility criteria, so you will need to read through the guidelines carefully to determine if you qualify. Receiving these benefits also doesn’t preclude you from receiving other types of financial aid, so be sure to fill out your FAFSA too!
Lastly, individual states and organizations also offer scholarships to military dependents, which you might want to explore. Each has its own set of eligibility criteria and application deadlines, so you'll want to do your research sooner rather than later. I hope that gives you a good starting place in your search. Best of luck!
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