Military Tuition Assistance for Dependents Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

As a family member of a Veteran, you may be eligible for various VA education benefits, including financial aid for school or training. Several programs exist to support the educational pursuits of military dependents, including spouses and children. This article explores the landscape of military tuition assistance for dependents programs, providing information on eligibility, application processes, and available resources.

Federal Aid and the FAFSA

Don’t think you can afford college? Think again. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the required application from the Department of Education. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in making college more financially accessible. Many grants and scholarships consider your FAFSA information when determining your eligibility.

Federal Pell Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. The grant is typically awarded to an undergraduate student who has not yet earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunities Grant Program, or FSEOG, provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the cost of higher education.

In addition to military benefits, service members may be eligible for grants, loans, tax credits and deductions that can help make education affordable. Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are government loans for students enrolled at least half-time.

Transfer of Education Benefits

If you’re the spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member, they may be able to transfer their education benefits to you. Service members must meet specific criteria to be eligible to transfer their GI Bill benefits. The key factor is whether or not the member has used any of their GI Bill in the past; only unused benefits can be transferred. Military service members and veterans can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to a spouse or child if they meet specific service requirements. The GI Bill helps pay for tuition and housing and includes a textbook stipend for up to 36 months.

Read also: Service Member Scholarship Guide

The Fry Scholarship

If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died on or after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the Fry Scholarship. Marine GySgt John D. The Fry Scholarship is a program similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill that makes education benefits available to the surviving spouses and children of service members who die in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001.

Surviving spouses can use the Fry Scholarship for 15 years from the anniversary of the service member's death or until they remarry. Eligible children can use the Fry Scholarship between the ages of 18 and 33. Children under age 18 cannot use this benefit even if they have completed high school.

If your parent was a service member who died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, you may qualify for both the DEA program and the Fry Scholarship. But you can use only one benefit at a time. In this case, we cap combined DEA and Fry Scholarship benefits at 81 months of full-time training.

If your parent was a service member who died in the line of duty on or after August 1, 2011, you may use both DEA and the Fry Scholarship only if you qualify for DEA under a different event. You can use only one program at a time.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

If you’re a Fry Scholar or you’re using transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, find out if you’re eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program offers additional financial aid to cover costs not covered by the GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for tuition and fees at private schools, foreign schools, or public schools if you’re a nonresident. To benefit from this program, you must apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

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Military Dependent Scholarships

Are you a military spouse or dependent hoping to attend college? These military dependent scholarships can help you get the education you want - and deserve. Specialized financial aid is an important way to show support to military dependents. Some financial aid, such as the GI Bill®, is available for tuition in general, whereas some are slated for specific programs. Be sure to check with your school’s financial aid office to learn what resources are available to you.

The following is a list of scholarships for military dependents - both children and spouses.

American Legion Legacy Scholarship

This scholarship is available to children of post-9/11 veterans who died in service, as well as to children of post-9/11 veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating. Recipients may apply for the scholarship up to six times. veterans, active-duty service members, or in the National Guard or Reserves. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. You must also submit an essay, a resume detailing your community involvement, and financial documentation. The application deadline is in April, and the award amount is $4,000.

Army Scholarship Foundation

Children or spouses of people who currently serve or previously served on active duty can apply. Army are also eligible. The scholarship requires a minimum 2.0 GPA. In addition, you must be younger than 24 by the application deadline and must not already have a bachelor’s degree. The application deadline is April 15, and the award amount is $1,000.

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation

This foundation offers ongoing scholarships to the children or spouses of members or former members of the submarine force or support staff. The scholarship supports vocational and trade studies and undergraduate degree programs. Applicants must be unmarried and under the age of 24. The application deadline is in March, and the award amount ranges from $1,500 to $4,000.

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Folds of Honor Foundation

Spouses and dependents of service members killed, wounded, or disabled due to their service may apply. Funding helps pay for any unmet financial need, such as fees or tuition for your first bachelor’s degree. Recipients can reapply each year for up to four years. You need a minimum 2.0 GPA to apply. The application deadline is in March, and the award amount is up to $5,000.

Samsung American Legion Scholarship

Children and descendants of veterans who served on active duty during a war may apply for this scholarship. You must also have been selected to attend an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. The award may be used toward tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard can apply. High school applicants need a 3.0 GPA or higher, while college applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.

Military Spouse Scholarships

According to the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, 89% of military spouses have some college education - but only 30% have a four-year degree. The following military spouse scholarships can ease the barrier to higher education.

Army Aviation Association of America Scholarship

Spouses, children, grandchildren, and unmarried citizens of Army Aviation Association of America members or deceased members may apply. Army through active service, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. You must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate nursing program. Army, such as through GI Bill benefits. The award amount is $3,000.

MyCAA Military Spouse Scholarship

Spouses of active duty, reserves, or National Guard service personnel in specified pay grades who are on Title 10 military orders may apply. In addition to tuition assistance, the program offers career coaching to help you develop an education and training plan. The award amount is up to $4,000.

Wings Over America Scholarship

Spouses of active-duty or retired Navy aviation personnel may apply. You must be seeking your first degree at an accredited college or technical school. The application deadline is in March, and the award amount is $5,000.

Grants for Military Dependents and Families

In addition to military dependent scholarships, there are grants available to military spouses and dependents. Grants differ from scholarships in that they are typically awarded based on financial need. Like scholarships, grants are free money that doesn’t have to be repaid. Many grants are awarded by state and federal governments. Some grants may target certain populations and demographics - including military dependents.

Coast Guard Supplemental Education Grant (SEG)

The SEG program supports Coast Guard military dependents enrolled in college or approved vocational and technical training. The grant can help pay for books, supplies, or equipment but cannot be used for tuition. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The program was temporarily paused from June 1, 2024, to December 1, 2024, so the Coast Guard could better allocate resources during hurricane season. The award amount is $500.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

This federal grant is available to students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service after 9/11 and who were under the age of 24 at the time of their parent or guardian’s death. This grant supports students who wouldn’t qualify for a Pell Grant due to their expected family contribution. You must complete the FAFSA to apply and fill it out each year to renew. The award amount is $7,395 (same as Pell Grant).

Military Officers Association of America Grants

Applicants must be children of active duty, Reserve, National Guard, or retired enlisted military personnel. You must have a high school 3.0 GPA or higher and not be older than 24. In addition, you must not already have a degree. The application deadline is March 1, and the award amount is $500.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program

Financial assistance includes interest-free loans, scholarships, and grants for dependents of active-duty or retired sailors or marines. You must enroll as a full-time student and be registered in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System. You must have a 2.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, and be under the age of 23. The application deadline is in May, and the award amount ranges from $500 to $3,000. The NMCRS Education Assistance Program offers interest-free loans and grants for colleges or voc/tech schools in the US.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance

Military dependents ages 18-26 can apply if they’re the spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty, was captured by a hostile force, or has a service-connected disability. Award money can be used for college, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training for up to three years. The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship and on-the-job training.

If you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program.

As an eligible child, is there a time limit for me to use these benefits? It depends.

There’s no time limit if one of these is true:

You became eligible for DEA benefits on or after August 1, 2023, or
You turned 18 years old on or after August 1, 2023, or
You completed high school or received your GED on or after August 1, 2023

Generally, you have up to 8 years to use your benefits before you turn 26 years old, if all of these are true:

You became eligible for DEA before August 1, 2023, and
You turned 18 before August 1, 2023, and
You completed high school before August 1, 2023

In some cases, the 8-year time limit doesn’t end when you turn 26 years old. If any of these describe your situation, you may still be able to use DEA benefits after you turn 26 years old:

You became eligible for DEA when you were between 18 and 26 years old, or
Your parent died when you were between 18 and 26 years old, or
You joined the military.

If you’re the spouse, you can get both DEA and VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments. If you get divorced, you’ll no longer be eligible for DEA benefits. If you join the military, you can’t use this benefit while you’re on active duty. And if you want to use this benefit after you leave the service, you can’t have a dishonorable discharge. If the Veteran dies and you remarry, you’ll no longer be eligible for the DEA benefits that you qualified for through that eligible Veteran.

State-Sponsored Free Tuition Programs

Here is a list of States that have recognized the sacrifices of Veterans and their families, by providing Veterans and/or their dependents free college tuition. Unless otherwise stated assume that the free tuition applies only to Public schools. NOTE: This list is for State's offering FREE (entire) tuition, not States that may offer partial grants or scholarships.

Alabama G. I. Full or partial waiver of tuition. Vet: Max rate of undergrad tuition. Dependents: 200 quarter undergrad credits or equivalent semester credits. W.S.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As always, please be sure to check the references for full details and any applicable restrictions. Often States require the Veteran and/or their dependents be residents of the State for X years to be eligible.

Additional Resources

TA DECIDE: A tool offered by the Defense Department that helps you make informed decisions about your postsecondary education.
College Financing Plan: A consumer tool that education institutions use to notify students about their financial aid packages.
Military OneSource: Service members and military families can contact Military OneSource education specialty consultants for one-on-one guidance on postsecondary education. Spouses can contact MilitaryOneSource for education counseling and help to find alternative funding sources.
Guide to College for Veterans and Military Service Members: Learn how to navigate common challenges and opportunities when it comes to college for veterans.
Guide to the ROTC Program: ROTC can help you fulfill your personal and professional goals and pay for college. Each branch of the military offers college scholarships to eligible students. They also pay for books and fees and provide stipends. Accepting this scholarship requires you to serve in the military. After college graduation, a graduate will begin a career as a commissioned officer.
Education benefits for veterans and dependents: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the GI Bill, a benefit that helps veterans pay for college or job training. The GI Bill can cover tuition, housing, fees, and books. Ask a real person any government-related question for free.
FastWeb: Find more cash for school or get the lowdown on scholarships and education help available for your family.

Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program

If your college tuition costs more than what’s covered by the Defense Department Tuition Assistance program, you may be able to receive more money to help pay for school. The Tuition Assistance Top-Up Program helps service members achieve professional and personal self-development goals, and save money while pursuing their degrees.

Military Branch Scholarship Programs

Each branch of the military offers college scholarships to eligible students. They also pay for books and fees and provide stipends. Accepting this scholarship requires you to serve in the military. After college graduation, a graduate will begin a career as a commissioned officer.

ROTC scholarships

The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) is a scholarship program sponsored by the military. High school seniors, current college students, or enlisted service members can apply for an ROTC scholarship. Learn more about eligibility, participating campuses, and the application process for each branch of the military.

Air Force ROTC
Army ROTC
Navy and Marine ROTC

Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative

The Coast Guard offers scholarships through the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI). The program pays school fees, a housing allowance, and salary. Learn how CSPI works, what schools participate in the program, and find a recruiter to apply.

Other avenues

While looking for money for school many spouses and their families overlook the over $300 million of military - and veteran - related scholarships and grants. Army Emergency Relief maintains two scholarship programs - the Spouse Education Assistance Program and the MG James Ursano Scholarship Program for dependent children. General Henry H. AFAS Merit Scholarship - The Society awards a minimum of ten $5,000 merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen who have completed both phases of the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant application, and therefore, have already been reviewed for eligibility and had their GPA verified. Supplemental Education Loan Program - This loan is open only to dependents of regular Active Duty, some reservists and retired members who applied for the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant. Grants for spouses of active-duty enlisted members - These grants are open to spouses of active-duty enlisted personnel, and spouses of some reservists. Scholarships for Coast Guard children - These scholarships are open to unmarried dependent children of enlisted active duty members, reservists on extended active duty for 180 days or more, retirees, or deceased members. Supplemental Education Grant - The SEG program reimburses documented educational costs specifically required by a course of study. CGMA Stafford/PLUS Loan Fee Reimbursement - Assistance for those who finance post-secondary education through the Federal Stafford Loan or Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS).

In-State Tuition

All 50 states provide in-state tuition to military dependents. The Choice Act of 2014 limited how long nonresident military dependents are eligible for in-state tuition to three years; however, 22 states and Washington, D.C., passed their own laws to eliminate this cap. Other states have different resident-rate regulations in place, and some leave it up to schools to decide or have certain stipulations.

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