If you’re a military spouse looking to expand your career options and further your education, there are numerous resources available to assist you, ranging from grants and scholarships to other forms of support.
Military spouses are eligible for a variety of benefits when pursuing a postsecondary degree or advancing their career goals. The following programs, grants, and scholarships can help cover the cost of a college degree or vocational training certificate of your choice.
Military Services Education Assistance Programs Each branch of the military offers education assistance programs for their service members and dependents. Here are some examples:
- Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Supplemental Education Grants: Update: Coast Guard Mutual Assistance will reinstate its Supplemental Education Grant (SEG) program on December 1, 2024, following the conclusion of the hurricane season. This program provides financial assistance to service members and eligible family members by reimbursing certain costs associated with obtaining a college degree, a vocational and technical training certificate, or a General Equivalency Diploma not covered by Coast Guard Tuition Assistance or similar programs.
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program: This program offers interest-free loans and grants ranging from $500 to $3,000 per academic year to spouses of active-duty and retired service members for undergraduate programs at accredited two- or four-year institutions.
- Army Emergency Relief Spouse Education Assistance Program: A need-based scholarship program that helps Army spouses obtain their first undergraduate degree. Eligible spouses can receive assistance for up to four academic years of full-time study or eight academic years of part-time study.
Scholarship Programs Several scholarships and grants are available to military spouses through nonprofit organizations and federal agencies, including:
- My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program (MyCAA): This workforce development program provides eligible military spouses with up to $4,000 in financial assistance for licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in pursuit of an occupation or career field.
- Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program: Sponsored by the National Military Family Association, this program provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000 to spouses of active duty, retired, and reserve/Guard members to pursue post-secondary or graduate degrees and professional training programs.
Veterans Affairs Programs The Department of Veterans Affairs offers programs to help cover tuition costs for service members, veterans, and their dependents, such as:
- The GI Bill®: Service members may transfer all 36 months or a portion of their unused Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to a spouse or child, provided the transfer is made while still on active duty.
- The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: This grant is available for children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
- The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program: This program provides educational aid to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or dependents of veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Other Financial Aid
- Federal student aid: Explore various financial aid options through the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid.
- State aid: Many states offer merit and need-based grants, loans, and scholarships.
- Private scholarships: Private and nonprofit organizations often provide need- or merit-based scholarships with specific qualifiers.
Military Spouse Preference Program
- The Military Spouse Preference program may grant you certain preferences when applying for Department of Defense civilian jobs, including civil service positions overseas.
- Contact your duty station’s human resources office or visit MilitaryINSTALLATIONS (installations.militaryonesource.mil) to apply for the Priority Placement Program for military spouses.
Resources for Transferring Professional Licenses
- The Defense-State Liaison Office has worked to streamline state licensing procedures, making it easier for military spouses to find jobs. However, spouses may still need to apply for a license, which could involve delays and costs.
- Some occupations have interstate compacts that can reduce or eliminate the relicensing process if the new state has approved the compact.
- Military spouses may apply for up to $1,000 from their service branch to cover licensure and certification costs resulting from relocations or military moves within the U.S. or from overseas to the U.S.
- If the process is lengthy or costly, military spouses may be eligible for unemployment compensation. Check with your state’s employment office for more details.
Explore articles for the Veteran Community here.