Benefits for Spouses from Military College Reimbursement Programs?

My partner is in the military and I'm thinking about going to college. I've heard a bit about military college reimbursement for spouses but I'm not sure about the specifics. Is it the same as the GI Bill or something different? What colleges accept this? Is there an application deadline? Thanks in advance

Indeed, being partners with a military servicemember does come with some educational benefits that can help you pay for college. Although it's not the same as the GI Bill, the Department of Defense (DoD) does offer the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship program specifically for spouses of military personnel.

The MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring a professional credential such as an associate’s degree, certification, or license that could lead to employment in portable career fields. Please note though that the MyCAA scholarship is not available to spouses of servicemembers in the pay grades E-6 and above, W-3 and above, O-3 and above, and to those who themselves are currently serving on Title 10 military orders.

The majority of accredited colleges and universities accept this form of payment, just like any other form of financial aid. You'll need to speak to the financial aid office at the individual colleges you're interested in to confirm their procedure for handling MyCAA scholarships.

There's not a specific deadline for applying for the MyCAA, but you need to complete your education within three years of the start date of your first course. Applications can be made year-round, so you can start courses at a time that works best for you.

Remember, though, the MyCAA is just one option available to you. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to utilize transferred benefits from your spouse's Post-9/11 GI Bill if they are not using the entirety of it themselves. Different branches of the military can have their own scholarship programs as well.

Overall, the key is to reach out to the specific universities you are interested in and your spouse's military service to find all the opportunities that might be available to you. Good luck in your educational pursuits!