Hey, I hope you all are doing well. I've been considering both military service and college after high school and I'm curious if there are programs or scholarships specifically for those who've served. Can you use military money or benefits to pay for college?
Absolutely, there are several programs that exist to assist military veterans or current servicemembers with their educational goals. One of the most well-known programs is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which provides up to 36 months of financial support for education or training for veterans who have at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
This benefit covers tuition and fees, provides an annual book stipend, and provides a monthly housing allowance while you're enrolled in a degree program or vocational training - so it's pretty comprehensive. This bill also has an option called the "Yellow Ribbon Program," for veterans attending a private university, graduate school, or out-of-state school where tuition exceeds the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill allowance.
There's also the Montgomery GI Bill for individuals who served in the active duty military or the Selected Reserve. The benefits differ slightly from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, so it's best to review specific criteria to see which one suits your situation best.
In addition to these federal benefits, many states offer their own additional educational benefits for veterans and their families. For instance, some offer tuition assistance for children of veterans.
Many universities also have dedicated support services for veteran students to help with the transition from military to student life and to navigate these benefits and programs.
Lastly, take note that these benefits might not cover everything, and you might still need to explore other financial aid options. Be sure to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as well to be eligible for any need-based aid.
Remember to research and quickly seize these opportunities as some might have application deadlines. Good luck on your journey!
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