Will my military family member's benefits cover my college fees?

One of my family members is part of the military, and I'm curious if their benefits will extend to help pay for my college education. Does anyone have any first-hand knowledge or experience with this situation?

Yes, there are several programs in place that can allow certain military benefits to extend to dependents, which could be used to pay for college. Keep in mind though, the exact specifics can vary and it is always recommended that you check with the respective agencies or administrators to acquire detailed information and requirements.

One of the significant benefits that comes to mind is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover the entire in-state tuition costs and fees, and provides a stipend for living expenses and books. After fulfilling specific service requirements, the servicemember might be eligible to transfer these benefits to their dependents. Furthermore, if the servicemember is permanently disabled due to their service or died while on active duty, you might be eligible for the Fry Scholarship, which also provides the same benefits as the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Another program to consider is the Military Dependent Scholarship Program (also known as the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program or DEA) which offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

You might also want to explore state-specific benefits as some states offer scholarships or tuition waivers for dependents of veterans. It is, however, crucial to check and ensure your eligibility for different programs before initiating any applications process or counting on the benefits while making budget estimations. Lastly, consider reaching out to a financial aid counselor or the school's office of military and veteran affairs to discuss your unique circumstance.