College Grants for Spouses of Retired Military Personnel?

Hello everyone, my dad was in the military and now that he's retired, my mom is thinking about going back to college. I was just curious if there are any grants or scholarships available specifically for spouses of retired military personnel. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Hello! It's commendable that your mom is considering returning to college - it's never too late to pursue higher education.

There are indeed several scholarships and grants available for military spouses, even with a parent who is retired. One example is the National Military Family Association's (NMFA) Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships. This scholarship is offered to spouses of all Uniformed Services members, which includes retired servicemen/women. The grant can be used for various forms of higher education, including undergraduate or graduate degrees, vocational or technical training, and more.

Another potential option is the Fisher House Foundation's Scholarships for Military Children Program designed for children of military service members, but often makes exceptions for spouses as well if the children are no longer dependents.

Also, don’t forget the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that your mom can fill out. Depending on her circumstances and income, she may qualify for federal grants like the Pell Grant.

Just remember, each scholarship or grant will have specific eligibility criteria and application procedures, so it's important to read and understand these before applying. Good luck to your mom in her journey back to college!