Anyone know how being a dependent of someone in the military might impact state college application or tuition? Is the military ID of any use in this context?
If you're a dependent of someone in the military, you may be eligible for certain benefits when applying to state colleges, which can impact both your application and tuition. However, the use of the military ID itself during the admission process is not directly beneficial, as colleges usually do not reconsider the resident status or tuition based on it.
Many states have laws allowing in-state tuition rates for military dependents, even if they do not reside in the state. This can drastically lower college costs. For example, under the "Choice Act" of 2014, members of the military on active duty, their spouses, and dependent children are entitled to in-state tuition at public institutions.
When it comes to the application process, being a military dependent may be considered under the broader umbrella of personal experiences and background. If your experiences as a military dependent significantly impacted your life, it could be an interesting topic to discuss in your essays.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) also has certain provisions for military families. When you're filling it out, you should indicate your parent's military status. Many colleges also offer scholarships specifically for dependents of the military.
Keep in mind that while these general rules apply to many institutions, the exact policies might vary from one college to the next. It's always a good idea to check the specific policies of the colleges you're interested in applying to. Also consider reaching out to the college's financial aid office, military support office, or veteran affairs office if they have one. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date information regarding benefits for military dependents.
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