Hi there, my folks have been in the military, now retired. I heard about some college benefits available for retired military members. Anyone has more info they could share?
Sure, there are indeed quite a few benefits for children of retired military members when it comes to college funding. Here are some key programs and benefits worth looking into:
1. Post-9/11 GI Bill: This bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible service members and veterans. The best part is, that this benefit can be transferred to dependents (i.e., you), if not used by the service member or veteran.
2. Yellow Ribbon Program: If your parent served for at least 36 months after 9/11, you may be eligible for this program, which can make additional funds available for education without an additional charge to your GI Bill entitlement.
3. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA): If your parent is permanently disabled due to a service-related condition, or they died while on active duty as a result of a service-related condition, you may be eligible for this program, which offers up to 45 months of education benefits.
4. ROTC Scholarships: If you're open to the idea of joining the military yourself, ROTC scholarships can cover a significant portion of your tuition, and in some cases, provide a monthly stipend as well.
Remember, each of these programs has its own set of rules regarding who is eligible and what expenses are covered, so it's important to do your research and speak with a financial aid adviser before making decisions. Also, keep in mind that while these benefits can significantly reduce costs, they may not cover everything, so explore all your options for financial aid, from federal to state to school-specific aids.
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