Hi guys, my parent is in the military and I heard some colleges have special considerations for us? I'm not sure where to start. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
You're correct, many colleges do offer programs and scholarships specifically geared towards military families. Applying is similar to regular applicants, but there will also be opportunities to mention your military status in your application.
Some universities are a part of the Yellow Ribbon Program, which partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs to cover a portion or all of out-of-state tuition costs for veterans and their dependents. Schools that participate in this program will clearly state this on their website, usually within the financial aid or veterans' services pages.
Additionally, there are numerous scholarships out there specifically for military children. For example, the Military Children Program Scholarship provided by the Defense Commissary Agency, which awards scholarships to children of military service members.
Furthermore, in your application essays and extracurricular descriptions, you may find value in discussing your experiences as a military child. Colleges appreciate diverse perspectives, and having a military background can provide unique insights. Be careful to make it personal and specific to you, not just a generic retelling of military life.
Finally, while searching for colleges, you might want to prioritize those that have strong support systems for military families, like dedicated Military and Veteran's Affairs offices or student groups. It could be beneficial to reach out to these offices to get a sense of available resources and support.
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