Hey there, I'm a military dependent and I've fallen in love with quite a few universities in California. I'm wondering if it's possible to get free college as a military dependent in The Golden State. Does anyone have insights on this?
The state of California has a program known as CalVet Fee Waiver which might just be what you're looking for. This program applies to dependents of service members who have a service-connected disability, or who have passed away due to service-related causes.
The CalVet Fee Waiver specifically waives the system-wide tuition at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. However, be aware that this does not cover the cost of books, housing and other miscellaneous campus fees.
Eligibility for the CalVet Fee Waiver is contingent on meeting income restrictions and you're required to apply for the program each year. This might not make your college experience completely free, but it could significantly reduce the cost of attending college in California, especially for UCs and CSUs.
Remember, if you're eyeing private institutions in California, the benefits of the CalVet Fee Waiver program won't apply. Instead, for these schools, you might want to investigate the Yellow Ribbon Program if you are eligible. This program can help to cover additional costs at private institutions or at public schools for out-of-state students, but the details and amounts can vary widely between schools.
The best suggestion would be to reach out to the Veterans Services Office at the school you're interested in. They will be equipped to provide detailed, institution-specific information as it pertains to military benefits and aid.
Keep in mind that applying for these benefits doesn't negate the need to apply for general financial aid with the FAFSA. The more doors you knock on, the greater your chances of receiving financial assistance. But all in all, being a military dependent can open some handy doors in terms of college affordability. Good luck with your applications!
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