There are several military spouse grants available in the United States for funding a college education. However, grants are not the only source of financial aid for military spouses and families. We are going to discuss the available financial aid for these people in this post.
First, let’s talk about the available grants. Although the number of military-specific grants is not much, several additional programs can give you a financial aid benefit that can be used to fund your college education.
List of Military Spouse Grants
Federal Pell Grants
This grant is the most popular grant in United States, available for all of the American students, including military spouses. The Pell grant is available for undergraduate students that have completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on this application, you will be notified if you are eligible for the Pell Grant or not. It is important to note that the award amount of the grant is not that much, but you get the chance to obtain other grants once you are a Federal Pell grant receiver. Additional grants that is available for these low-income students include the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
If your spouse or guardian died during the military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for this military spouse grant. Note that this grant is aimed for military-related students who are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
Post 9/11 GI Bill
This program allows eligible military members to transfer benefits to their spouse or dependent children. Six years of service is required, and the benefits may be divided depending on the military member’s judgment.
MyCAA Program
This $4,000 grant is offered for military spouses of certain lower ranks. The annual cap of the MyCAA program is set at $2,000. Please do note that you have to complete the study within three years of starting the first class. Military spouses may use this program to get associate degrees, certificate programs, and certain licenses.
National Military Family Association (NMFA) Scholarships
The NMFA provides $1,000 scholarships for military spouses. You just have to write an essay and complete the questionnaire on the NMFA website, and then you may be eligible for this scholarship that will be paid directly to your school of choice.
Thanks USA Program
This program focuses on military spouses, as well as military children of active duty military. Those who had been wounded or killed in action are preferred, but regular military member’s spouse and children may also receive the award. The military spouse scholarship is up to $3,000, and the opening is usually at April.
Choose military friendly schools
Many universities and colleges provide help for military students, spouses and children to obtain their degree. For a list of military friendly schools, you can go to Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) website. As much as 1,800 schools across the globe provide educational benefits and opportunities for military spouses.
As you can see, there are many other opportunities like scholarships aside of the military spouse grants.
References:
- MyCAA Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts
- Images: brandman.edu
