Hey everyone, my spouse is in the military and I'd really love to go back to college. I'm just a bit unsure about how we're going to afford it. What are options for military spouses? Any advice?
The good news is that as a military spouse, you have access to some financial assistance that may help you cover the cost of returning to school. …
One route to consider is the My Career Advancement Account Scholarship. It's a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 in tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. This scholarship is for pursuing licenses, certifications, or associates degrees necessary to jumpstart careers in high demand, high growth portable career fields and occupations.
If your spouse is a servicemember in the Post-9/11 GI Bill program, they might be able to transfer some or all of their benefits to you under the Department of Veteran's Affairs' Transfer of Entitlement Option. This program can be used to pay for tuition, housing, and even books.
You might also want to consider applying for general scholarships and grants, which many colleges, organizations, and private companies offer. There are also scholarships specifically designed for military families, such as ones offered by the Fisher House Foundation.
Finally, remember to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is required for most types of federal financial aid, and you might be surprised at what you qualify for. The FAFSA could help you determine your eligibility for things like Pell Grants, which don't have to be repaid and can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Just make sure to get in touch with the financial aid office of the colleges you're considering, as they can give you more specific guidance based on your individual circumstances.
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