Free College for Military Spouse: Fact or Fiction?

Hey everyone! I'm a military spouse and I've heard that we may be eligible for free college. Can anyone shed some light on this? What are the requirements for eligibility and are there any limitations on the types of programs or level of study?

While it's not as simple as "free college," military spouses do have access to several beneficial educational programs and scholarships that can greatly offset the cost of higher education. This support can essentially make college free or significantly less expensive, depending on the program and your specific circumstances.

One such resource is the MyCAA scholarship provided by the Department of Defense. This program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for associate's degrees, certificates, and licensures. It's available to spouses of service members on active duty in the pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2. However, doctoral and master's degrees are generally not covered under this program.

Meanwhile, if your spouse is a Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiary, they have the option to transfer unused benefits to you under certain conditions. This program can potentially cover full tuition for a state school (or a significant portion for a private school), plus provide a housing allowance and book stipend.

There's also the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program which provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty as a result of a service-related condition.

To maximize your options, you should also look into service-specific aid programs (like the Army Emergency Relief's Spouse Education Assistance Program) and non-military scholarships that you might qualify for.

Note that these benefits can often be applied to various degree and certificate programs, but there may be restrictions on the types of schools or programs you can use the funding for. Make sure you check the specific eligibility requirements and restrictions for each program.

Additionally, while these programs can hugely assist in paying for college, remember that other costs—like housing, meals, books, and transportation—may not be entirely covered. If you're considering going back to school, establish a comprehensive plan that includes these associated costs before making your decision.

Good luck on your educational journey! It's commendable that you're looking to further your education, and I'm confident you'll find a path that suits your needs.