Benefits for Kids of Military Personnel in College?

I recently heard about some form of free college benefits for children of military personnel. What's the deal with this? I'm the child of a military person, so would this apply to me?

Indeed, there are several programs to aid children of military personnel when it comes to college education.

One notable program is the Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability. This allows service members to transfer unused education benefits to immediate family members. It covers tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.

There's also the Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance (DEA) Program. If your parent is a veteran who is permanently disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died in service or from a service-related condition, you might be eligible for this program which provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents.

Another potential avenue is the Fry Scholarship, named after Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry. If your parent died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, you might be eligible for this scholarship, which provides similar benefits to the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Additionally, each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves, may have its education benefits for dependents. Also, certain state-specific benefits may apply to you as well.

However, eligibility for these different benefits can vary. Generally, it might be dependent on factors like: the length of your parent's service, their status (active, retired, reserve), and the nature of their separation from the military, among other things.

It's recommended to explore these options and consult your parent's military chain of command, the VA, or a school's financial aid office for specific details for your circumstance.

Also, you may qualify for various scholarships specifically for military children. These might be offered by private organizations, nonprofits, as well as institutions themselves. The Fisher House Foundation's "Scholarships for Military Children Program" is one such example.

Remember that these programs and scholarships often have application processes and deadlines, so it's important to plan ahead and stay organized throughout your college application journey. Good luck navigating these opportunities!