Hello, I'm active duty military looking to go to college, and I've seen mentions of 'grant money' for people in my situation. Could someone clear up what this means? How do I find and apply for these grants?
When we're talking about 'grant money', we're essentially referring to funds you receive to pay for your college expenses which do not need to be repaid upon graduation. This contrasts with student loans, which must be paid back over time. These grants can come from various sources such as the federal or state government, colleges themselves, or private organizations.
For active duty military personnel, there are several types of grants you may be eligible for. Here are two notable ones:
1. Pell Grants: While not exclusive to military personnel, Pell Grants are awarded by the federal government based on financial need, cost of attendance, and other factors. You do not need to pay this back and you'll apply for it by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Tuition Assistance: Most military branches offer some form of Tuition Assistance (TA). TA covers up to 100% tuition and fees not to exceed $250.00 per semester credit hour or $166.67 per quarter credit hour.
In regards to looking for and applying for these grants, you'll likely want to start by completing the FAFSA to apply for federal grants like the Pell Grant. This form asks questions about your financial status, including your income, which the government uses to determine your level of financial need.
Meanwhile, for Tuition Assistance, you should contact your service's education center or office to find out application procedures and deadlines. Procedures can vary among the different military branches so it's important to directly communicate with the appropriate office.
Keep in mind that grants typically have applications with specific deadlines, so be sure to stay organized and apply early. Always clarify any confusion about deadlines or application requirements to increase your odds of successfully securing a grant.
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