Hey guys, my parent is currently in the military. I've heard that there are benefits for military kids, like going to college for free. Is this accurate, and if so, which colleges or programs make this possible?
You're absolutely correct that there are a number of benefits available for children of military members. One of the most well-known is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This benefit can cover up to the full tuition at public in-state schools, a sizable chunk of out-of-state or private school tuition, and it includes a stipend for books and housing. A military parent can transfer up to a total of 36 months of their benefits to a dependent child if they served at least 6 years and committed to serve an additional 4 years.
Another significant program is the Yellow Ribbon Program. This is specifically for private schools or for out-of-state tuition at public schools that cost more than what the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers. Participating institutions agree to cover a portion of the leftover expenses, and the VA matches that amount. This could potentially cover all remaining costs, although it varies by school and degree program.
For schools within the University System of Maryland, military children may also be eligible for in-state tuition rates, regardless of their residency status, thanks to the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACA).
Lastly, there are numerous scholarships designed specifically for military children. These can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, and they can often be used alongside the GI Bill benefits. These include the Military Commanders' Scholarship Fund, the AMVETS National Scholarship Program, and the Fisher House Foundation's Scholarships for Military Children Program, among others.
In summary, many resources can help military kids minimize or even completely cover the cost of college tuition. However, the specifics will depend on many factors including the parent's service history, the child's residency status, and the schools they are interested in.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.