Hi all! As a military kid myself, I was wondering if there might be some additional college benefits available to us? I'm aware of the basics, but are there any less well-known opportunities I should be aware of?
Absolutely, there are several programs and benefits available specifically for military dependents, and it's great you're considering them.
One less well-known program is the Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) network. This is a group of colleges and universities dedicated to helping military members and their families earn degrees, even if they move frequently.
The Veteran's Association also offers the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, which provides full tuition costs, fees, and a monthly housing allowance for the children of military members who died in the line of duty after September 11, 2001.
In addition, a lot of individual universities and colleges offer their own scholarships for military dependents. Texas A&M University, for example, has the Aggie Bound Military Scholarship dedicated to children of U.S. service members.
Lastly, some states also offer educational benefits for military dependents. For instance, the State of California has a program that waives tuition at any state college or university for dependents of veterans who have a service-connected disability or who have died as a result of their military service.
Remember, it's always a good idea to also reach out directly to the financial aid offices at the schools you're interested in. They will have the most up-to-date information about potential scholarships and aid packages!
Remember, every bit helps when it comes to financing your education, so don't leave any stone unturned!
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