Enacted in 1944 to give returning U.S. WW II veterans a range of benefits, the Montgomery G.I. Bill enabled many servicemen and women to attend college and earn their degrees. And while the G.I. Bill continues to be a major source of educational financial assistance for today’s veterans, there are also a number of schools and nonprofit organizations in addition to the federal government that offer money for college to veterans, future military personnel, active duty personnel, or those related to veterans or active-duty personnel.
Below are several sources of financial aid you might want to consider:
Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships: awarded on the basis of merit rather than financial need.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill: provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible.
Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits:
The actual benefit amount will vary based on an individual’s total length of service. For example, those who have served at least 36 months or 30 continuous days prior to discharge for a service-connected disability can get maximum tuition and fees, a monthly housing stipend and an annual stipend for books and supplies. Those who have served at least 90 days, but less than six months, receive 40 percent of the maximum benefit. These benefits are payable for up to 15 years following a member’s honorable discharge or retirement from service. For more details and to apply, visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov
Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine Corps College Funds: the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps each provide tuition assistance (a “kicker”) in addition to what you earn through the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Each service controls the amount of extra money it provides:
College Funds are awarded on a competitive basis according to academic merit (i.e., scoring in the top half of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery). Each Service branch determines who qualifies for the College Fund and the amount received. College Fund Programs are offered to service members when they first join the Military. To qualify, you must have a high school diploma and you must be enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA): provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of certain veterans. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.
To be eligible, you must be the son, daughter or spouse of:
To learn more about DEA, visit: http://www.gibill.va.gov/benefits/other_programs/dea.html