Hey all, just trying to figure out this journey. My other half is in the military and I am keen to pursue a college degree. Does anyone have any information on how military spouse college funding works or options to look into?
Absolutely, as a military spouse you have a number of financial aid options you can explore.
One such option is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program. It's a scholarship program that supports military spouses in pursuing licenses, certificates, certification, or an associate degree needed for gainful employment in high-demand, high-growth portable career fields. It provides up to $4,000 over two years to eligible military spouses.
Another option is the National Military Family Association (NMFA) scholarship. The NMFA provides scholarships to military spouses to help them continue their education. These scholarships can be used for a variety of educational pursuits including, but not limited to, professional certification, post-secondary education (undergraduate and graduate degrees), and trade school.
Many colleges and universities also offer military spouse tuition assistance, with discounts ranging from around 10% to 50%. You would need to check with the individual institution's financial aid office for these opportunities.
There are also state-specific programs that you might be eligible for, such as fee waivers or scholarships for military spouses. These can vary widely by state, so it might be worth researching the options available in your specific location.
In addition, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may also offer grants and loans based on your personal financial situation.
Keep in mind, this is not an exhaustive list of all the aid options available but these could be a starting point for your research.
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