Financial Aid for College Books for Military Personnel

Anyone aware of programs that help military personnel pay for college books? Left money in the budget is always tight and it would be helpful to find a one-time grant or something.

There are indeed programs that aim to lessen the financial burden of college textbooks for military personnel and veterans, although they may not all be focused exclusively on books. These programs often come in the form of scholarships or grants which can be used towards various education-related expenses, among them being the cost of purchasing textbooks.

One notable example is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. It not only provides full tuition and fees but also includes an annual book stipend of up to $1000.

Another is the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant for students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of performing military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001. This grant has a higher maximum award than the Pell Grant.

Lastly, the Veteran's Supplemental Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) also provides support. VEAP is available for veterans who first entered active duty between 1977 and 1985, and who elected to make contributions from their military pay to participate in the education program. The government matches these contributions 2-to-1.

Remember to apply early for these grants and scholarships, as some of them work on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, make sure to check out potentially relevant programs at your specific school - some colleges and universities have their own financial aid offerings for veterans and active-duty military personnel. Good luck!