My dad served in the military and I'm a junior starting to look at colleges. I'm wondering if there are any top tier schools known for providing benefits or support to military children. Any advice appreciated!
Absolutely, many colleges and universities try to help military dependents and they offer a variety of benefits. One of the primary programs is the Yellow Ribbon Program which is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This program can cover tuition and fees, along with a housing allowance and money for books/supplies.
Several Ivy League and top tier schools participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. For instance, Columbia, Dartmouth, and Princeton offer unlimited funding for an unlimited number of students, essentially guaranteeing to cover all unmet tuition and fee needs for every eligible undergraduate student.
Moreover, many universities have Veterans Resource Centers or similar offices that can assist military children in utilizing their benefits and integrating into the campus community. For instance, Stanford University has a Veteran's Accessing Lifelong Learning for Service (VALLS) office that helps veterans and their dependents navigate the academic environment.
Lastly, you should also look into scholarships specifically designed for children of veterans or active duty service members. A prime example is the American Legion Legacy Scholarship, awarded to children of veterans who died while serving or who have a disability as the result of a military operation post 9/11. Remember, the Military Officers Association of America also offers educational assistance funds that could be of interest.
As you plan for college, keep these resources in mind, and don't hesitate to reach out to these offices and organizations with any further questions!
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