Dependent Education Benefits for Alabama Military Families?

Hello, does anyone have insights on the educational benefits for dependents of military personnel in Alabama? Are there special scholarships or grants at Alabama colleges that you know of? My parent serves in the Army, and we're trying to navigate the college process. Thanks in advance!

One benefit you may not have heard of is the Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program. This program provides tuition, books, and instructional fees at any state-supported institution of higher learning throughout Alabama, including two-year and four-year technical colleges, to qualified dependents (child or spouse) of disabled veterans or those killed in action while on active duty. The parent's military service must have been with the U.S. Armed Forces, so your parent's service in the Army qualifies you.

For you to qualify, the veteran must have honorably served at least 90 or more days of continuous active federal military service, be rated 40% or more disabled due to service-connected disabilities or have held the qualifying rating at the time of death, or be a former prisoner of war, or declared missing in action, or have died as the result of a service-connected disability or in the line of duty while on active duty.

The benefits cover undergraduate studies for a maximum of four standard academic years or its equivalent within a six-year period from the date of first usage.

One thing to note is that the scholarship program does not cover costs at private or out-of-state institutions.

Some colleges do also have specific programs or scholarships for military dependents, so it may be worthwhile to reach out to the individual financial aid offices at the schools you're interested in to see if they have anything like that.

Lastly, every military dependent should fill out the FAFSA. Even with the GI Bill and other scholarships, you may still qualify for more help, such as the Pell Grant, particularly if your family's financial circumstances are strained. The FAFSA opens October 1st, and you want to fill it out as early as possible to maximize the aid you can receive, as some sources are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

You can also look into scholarships, both through the institutions you're considering and through external organizations. Many of them may be unrelated to military affiliation, but you could still qualify based on other aspects of your background, like your academic credentials or community service.

Best of luck financing your college experience!