Is college free for military kids?

Hello everyone. My folks are military personnel and I heard somewhere that military kids may be eligible for free college. Is this true? If so, how does the process work?

While college is not automatically free for military children, there are multiple programs in place geared towards making higher education more affordable for children of military personnel.

First, the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transfer allows military personnel who have served for at least six years to transfer unused educational benefits to their spouse or dependent children. This program can cover up to 100% of tuition fees and other educational costs at public colleges, or up to a set maximum per academic year for private or foreign institutions.

Second, the Department of Defense sponsors the Military Dependents Scholarship Program (also known as Military Spouse and Family Members Scholarship). This program provides scholarships based on funds availability and the unique circumstances of each military family.

Third, the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program provides up to 45 months of education and training opportunities to eligible dependents (children and spouses) of Veterans who are fully disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

Do bear in mind, however, that these forms of assistance may not cover all educational costs and the qualifications can be quite specific. Therefore, it's essential to research each program carefully and consult with a school's financial aid office or an education liaison through the military to find the most accurate and current information. Also, remember that each school may offer its own scholarships for military dependents, so cast a wide net when searching for financial aid.