Military Spouses: Financial Resources for Sending Your Child to College
For military spouses — particularly those who have lost a partner and co-parent in the line of duty — the prospect of paying for college for a child can seem overwhelming. However, there are numerous college resources and programs designed specifically for military families that can provide financial support and ease this burden. If you’re a parent in this category, a little research can lead to some great ways to pay for college.
Federal and State Education Benefits
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of the most robust education benefits available to military families. It provides tuition coverage for in-state students attending public universities, along with a housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. In some circumstances, service members may be able to transfer their unused GI Bill benefits to their partners or children.
State Tuition Waivers
In addition to the federal government, many states offer tuition waivers or reductions for children of veterans or active-duty service members who died in the line of duty. These programs, which vary by state, can significantly reduce the cost of attending a public university.
Scholarships for Surviving Military Family Members
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program is a significant surviving spouse military benefits resource for families who need help paying for college. This program offers education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who have died or are permanently disabled because of service-related conditions.
Eligible dependents can receive up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training. Dependents must be between the ages of 18 and 26 to qualify.
The Fry Scholarship
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides assistance to children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. This scholarship covers full tuition and fees for in-state students and includes a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. Unlike the DEA program, the Fry Scholarship offers help with paying for college that is equivalent to the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s benefits, making it a substantial resource for eligible dependents.
State-Specific Scholarships and Grants
Many states offer scholarships and grants specifically for children of service members or veterans who have died or been disabled while on duty. For example, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs provides tuition waivers at state-supported colleges and universities for eligible dependents. Each state has different programs and eligibility criteria, so it’s crucial to check with your state’s veterans affairs office for specific opportunities.
Additional Financial Aid Options
Work-Study Programs and Student Loans
Work-study programs and federal student loans are also available to military families. While these options may require repayment or work commitments, they can be essential components of or supplements to a broader financial aid strategy. The Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps cover tuition costs that exceed the limits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, is also applicable at many schools.
Private Scholarships
Beyond government programs, scholarships specifically for military families are available from numerous private organizations — many of which are nonprofits. The Military Officers Association of America, the Fisher House Foundation, and the American Legion are just a few organizations that provide financial support to military dependents.
Some scholarships, such as those offered by the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF), are intended for bereaved students associated with specific military branches or occupations. It’s important to research and apply for awards that match your circumstances.
Military spouses who have lost partners while they were on active duty face unique challenges, but numerous resources are available to help pay for their children’s college education. By leveraging federal and state benefits, private scholarships, and financial aid programs, military families can find the support they need to ensure their children’s educational future is secure.
Get College Funding Resources With MC-LEF
Since its creation in 1995, MC-LEF has offered educational funding to the children of fallen military service members. Thanks to our generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty as a federal law enforcement agent, in the United States Marine Corps, or as a Navy Corpsman. To date, MC-LEF has awarded over $93 million in educational accounts and other humanitarian assistance to over 5,900 recipients. Contact us to learn more!
All MC-LEF officers and board members are volunteers; we have only one paid employee. We pride ourselves on running our organization as cost-effectively as possible so that the vast majority of our donor funds can be used to accomplish our mission of educating the children of those who sacrificed all. Please consider donating today!
