Hi there. My significant other is considering joining the military, and I've heard some chatter about spouses of military personnel getting educational benefits, like having college tuition paid for. Sounds too good to be true… Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Much appreciated!
Certainly, educational benefits for military spouses are absolutely real, and they can be a significant help in accessing higher education. One of the primary programs is called the MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account) Scholarship. This is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance for military spouses who are pursuing license, certificate, or Associate's degree programs in fields that are portable. The idea is that these are career fields that can be done no matter where the military may station the family.
Another program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. While it is primarily used by servicemembers themselves, it can also be transferred to dependents, including spouses. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover up to the full tuition and fees at an in-state public college, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for textbooks and supplies.
There are also a variety of scholarships specifically for military spouses and children. These are typically organized by branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.), and some are specific to certain ranks or types of service.
Just ensure to check out the specifics and eligibility rules for each of these programs as they vary. These benefits can be a great way to support your education while your partner is serving in the military!
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