Financial Help for Military Spouses: College Grants?

Hey everyone, I am the spouse of a military serviceman. I am wanting to pursue a full-time undergraduate degree but finances are a little tight. I heard there might be some sort of grant available for military spouses to help offset the cost of tuition. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks!

Sure, I can definitely shed some light on college grants for military spouses. One of the most common sources of financial aid for military spouses is the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship. This program provides up to $4,000 over 2 years to military spouses who are pursuing licenses, certificates, certifications, or associate degree at an accredited college, university, or technical school in the U.S.

Another program to consider is the National Military Family Association (NMFA) scholarship. Specifically, the NMFA offers the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships, which are awarded to spouses of all Uniformed Services members. The funds from this scholarship can be used for various educational needs including tuition, licensing fees, and even textbooks.

It's also worthwhile to research institution-specific scholarships or grants. Certain universities and colleges provide special discounts or financial aid opportunities for military spouses.

Lastly, some spouses may also be eligible to use the transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits from their service member spouses for their educational expenses. This could potentially cover the full cost of tuition at public universities, and a significant portion at private universities.

Remember, you can (and likely should) also complete a FAFSA to see what need-based federal aid you might be eligible for. Scholarships and grants are great because they don't have to be paid back, but loans and work-study opportunities could also help make your education more affordable.

Keep in mind, deadlines apply for many of these programs, so it's best to start the process early. Good luck!