It’s easy to assume that military members have no student loan debt. After all, aren’t veterans, currently serving military members, and eligible Guard/Reserve members all taking full advantage of VA education benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Forever GI Bill changes that have greatly enhanced the program?

But not everyone who joins the military comes to the service in need of a degree. Some already have plenty of college experience, undergrad and graduate degrees, or certificates. And when you join the military with student loan debt or incur student loan debt while serving, it’s good to know your military student loan forgiveness options.

Not all who owe money on their higher education will qualify for loan forgiveness. But for the many who are eligible for some form of assistance, it can be quite helpful to receive loan deferment or other support. This is especially true for those transitioning out of military service and back into the civilian sector.

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Types of Student Loan Forgiveness and Related Options

There are many programs that allow military members to apply to defer student loans or have them forgiven. In all cases, it will be necessary to contact the loan servicer to determine what application requirements are needed at the time.

State law, lender requirements, and other rules may apply. None of the programs listed here are automatic. You must apply for each one individually and supporting documentation is a condition of acceptance into each program.

 Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

The program known as Federal Student Aid “began accepting and reviewing applications from borrowers seeking loan forgiveness” for Direct Loans via the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program which was created in 2007.

Direct loans are those that qualifying students and parents borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Military members would be eligible to apply since any government employee is considered. The one exception is civilians working at for-profit government contractor agencies.

Only qualifying student loans will be forgiven under this program. The government’s official site for student aid defines a qualifying loan as, “any non-defaulted loan you received under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program.”

Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Interest Rate Cap

A 2008 law known as the Higher Education Opportunity Act amended existing rules to include federally guaranteed student loans as a protected debt under the SCRA. Before 2008, federal student loans were NOT included as part of SCRA protections.

That means any Direct Loan prior to 2008 is not covered. But for those with student loans originated after the passage of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, those loans have an interest rate cap at six percent for the duration of military service. All interest above and beyond that six percent must be forgiven.

The catch is that this cap is not automatic. It must be applied for in writing and supporting documentation must be submitted including military orders to show the duration of service, etc.

The cap is not for any time except for the duration of military service; any interest paid prior to that is not covered under SCRA.

Military Service Deferment

Military service deferment permits a student loan borrower to defer or postpone loan repayment “during certain periods of active duty” and immediately after active duty. Training periods, military service schooling, and similar circumstances do not count. Serving away from the borrower’s normal duty station does count, as does wartime service.

To apply for this program, contact your loan servicer and be prepared to submit documentation. This includes paperwork showing your completed military service, a Post-Active Duty Student Deferment Request form, a statement from a commander or First Individual (First Sergeant, Sergeant Major, Master Chief, etc.) or personnel officer along with the completed borrower section of deferment form. You may need to provide military orders, discharge paperwork, etc. as required.

Student Loan Deferments after Active Duty

Military members may apply to defer Federal loans and certain private loans following departure from active duty when returning to school. You will need to contact your lender to see what application requirements apply. But in general you will need a copy of military orders, discharge paperwork, and a written statement from a commander or personnel officer.

0% Student Loan Interest during Hostile Duty

You may apply to pay no interest on your qualifying student loans for up to 60 months if you are assigned to a “hostile area.” Service members must be receiving special duty pay to qualify for this zero-interest student loan option. This is not offered for private student loans, but check with your loan servicer to see if any such program is offered independently by that financial institution.

Heroes Act Waiver

For those on active duty, certain documentation requirements are waived for those using student loan benefits. Service members who utilize income-driven student loan payment plans (see below) can apply to have their monthly payment amounts continue without the required updates based on income, family size, or other variables. The Heroes Act also suspends “satisfactory academic progress” requirements for qualifying servicemembers.

This is generally offered for those serving in times of war or other military operations. It is also offered to those who serve in times of a national emergency. The Heroes Act waiver does not include loan forgiveness, but the elimination of the regular reporting requirement for those serving in combat zones and other areas can be a major benefit.

The Heroes Act also permits students withdrawing from college because of required military service to keep Title IV funds that were overpaid thanks to a repayment waiver. Students who were threatened with collection activity on defaulted education loans can apply to have such action halted (for a limited time) as a result of qualifying military service.

Income-Driven Student Loan Repayment Plans with The Potential for Loan Forgiveness

Service members and veterans who qualify can apply to have their student loan repayment programs based on income. This is an option for federal loans only, though it is a very good idea to contact your student loan servicer to see if a similar program is offered to veterans independently.

Veterans with federal student loans may qualify for a low payment or no-payment option “with the possibility of forgiveness of the remaining balance in 20-25 years.” Application procedures may vary depending on the lender.

Veterans Total and Permanent Disability Discharge Student Loan Forgiveness.

Veterans with a service connected disability may be able to have student loans forgiven. In general this is intended for federal student loans, but some private student loans may also qualify depending on the loan and circumstances. Qualifying veterans will have a VA disability rating and receive, or be eligible to receive, VA disability compensation.

Veterans must complete a Total and Permanent Disability Request Form to qualify. Contact your student loan servicer to learn more about specific requirements to apply with that lender.

Military Service Loan Repayment Programs

While not all military members qualify for student loan repayment by the Department of Defense, for those who do there is a huge benefit.

These programs are often offered in critically staffed career fields. It is not uncommon for doctors and other medical professionals to have their student debt taken care of by the Department of Defense in exchange for a minimum military service commitment (which will vary depending on the program, the branch of military service, etc.).

One excellent example of this type of program is the one administered by the Air Force for those who work in the Judge Advocate General (JAG) corps. According to the Air Force official site, “eligible JAGs can apply for up to $65,000 toward student loan repayment. Payments are made directly to a qualified lender over a three-year period, starting after you have completed the first year of service as a JAG officer.”

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Other Types of Student Loan Forgiveness and Forbearance

Depending on circumstances, the type of student loans you have, and other variables, it may be possible to qualify for additional consideration for student loan forgiveness or forbearance. Private loans vary and will have requirements unique to that program. Contact your loan servicer for information on how to apply for any private student loan program your servicer may offer.

For federal loans, students may qualify for a student loan deferment under the following circumstances:

• While enrolled at least half-time at an eligible college or career school, and if you received a Direct PLUS Loan or FFEL PLUS Loan as a graduate or professional student, for an additional six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half-time;
• While enrolled in an approved graduate fellowship program;
• Being enrolled in an approved rehabilitation training program for the disabled;
• During periods of unemployment or a lack of full-time employment up to three years;
• While serving on active duty military service in connection with a war, military operation, or national emergency;
• While on active duty military service in connection with a war, military operation, or national emergency, for the 13 month period following the conclusion of that service, or until you return to college or career school half-time or more.

For student loan forbearance, a General Forbearance option allows your lender to decide whether to grant your request when motivated by the following circumstances:

• Financial difficulties
• Medical expenses
• Changes in employment
• Other issues the lender is willing to accept

Such forbearance is allowed only for 12 months at a time. Some programs only permit a “cumulative forbearance” of a certain number of months or years, while others do not. Lender standards and requirements will be an important part of the equation when such arrangements are made.

Depending on the type of loan and the agreement you make with the lender, you may or may not be charged interest during the forbearance period.

There is also a category known as a Mandatory Forbearance (applicable for 12 months at a time) which applies to the following circumstances:

• Serving in a medical or dental internship or residency program when the applicant meets certain requirements including holding a Direct Loan or FFEL loan (no other loans qualify under this circumstance)
• The total amount of the monthly payment for all student loans equals 20 percent or more of your total monthly gross income, for up to three years on Direct Loans, FFEL Program loans, and Perkins Loans;
• The borrower participates in a teaching program that qualifies for teacher loan forgiveness on Direct Loans and FFEL Program loans only;
• The borrower is eligible for partial repayment of your loans under the U.S. Department of Defense Student Loan Repayment Program for Direct Loans and FFEL Program loans only;
• Member of the National Guard who are activated, but not considered eligible for a military deferment for Direct Loans and FFEL Program loans.

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Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

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Military spouses often find themselves having to pack up the house and move to a new duty location when the military member gets reassigned.

Some of those spouses will be getting ready for a move from one stateside base to another. But some military spouses find themselves getting ready to accompany the military member to an overseas base in Japan, Germany, and sometimes South Korea depending on the military member’s rank and career field.

When relocating to an overseas location, most spouses will be there between two and four years. This is the typical assignment length for many overseas duty locations not considered to be “forward deployed” or an unaccompanied tour.

Two to four years is an ideal length of time for spouses to attend college classes, earn a degree, and move forward in a career. But what education opportunities await military spouses living outside the Continental United States (CONUS)?

The Department of Defense issues contracts to a select number of colleges and institutions. These schools will provide on-base classes, distance learning, or a combination of the two. This allows both military members and family members to study while assigned overseas.

Consider the 2015 press release from the Headquarters, Air Force Pacific Public Affairs office. It notes, “The Defense Department awarded contracts to four colleges and universities to provide in-resident college and graduate programs at overseas military installations across U.S. Pacific Command to include mainland Japan, Okinawa, South Korea and Guam.”

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Overseas Spouse Education Opportunities from Certificate Programs to Graduate School

You read that correctly. Graduate-level programs are available at overseas bases. The caveat is that the number of degree programs may be limited compared to what college students are used to from stateside universities.

For example, for those stationed at Misawa Air Base, Japan, The University of Maryland offers nine Associate’s degrees, approximately 20 undergraduate Bachelor’s degrees, and one graduate program. This is a Master of Business Administration degree.

Many of the University of Maryland offerings are practical, career-oriented programs such as English, Homeland Security, Criminal Justice, etc. But there are also foreign language programs, cultural studies, and history classes.

The University of Maryland isn’t the only college offering classes to those assigned to bases in Japan. Troy University adds some fierce competition by offering a Doctorate program as an online-only option for those interested in higher-level college work in International Relations. The number of colleges and courses offered will depend on the military base. Online learning options can expand a student’s capabilities to learn and earn degrees while stationed outside the U.S.A.

Multiple Colleges to Choose from Depending on Location

Misawa Air Base, Japan is only one example. There are college education opportunities at many bases all over the globe. The University of Maryland has a Europe division as well as an Asia division. Troy University is found in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and elsewhere.

Those assigned to European installations such as Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base in Germany will enjoy options that include both of the previously mentioned colleges along with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Phoenix, and several other institutions.

Some Colleges That You May Find at Your Next Overseas Military Base

• University of Maryland College Asia / Europe offers traditional and distance learning courses for certificates, associates, bachelor and master’s degrees. They depend on location, demand, availability of online or in-residence courses at the military base.
• Central Texas College provides vocational-technical associate degrees in applied sciences, plus the Microsoft Certification Program and other options.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has on-base and distance learning options (depending on demand, availability, etc) for programs such as an Associate of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics, Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, and a Master of Aeronautical Science. These courses may feature online components or some programs may be exclusively online with no local classroom options.
• University of Oklahoma has offered a Master of Human Relations and a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies focusing on international relations. Current or future offerings may depend on demand, funding, etc.

These colleges may depend on Department of Defense contracts to remain a service provider for the military communities at overseas bases. That said, the University of Maryland and other colleges have been associated with the military for many decades. And these programs are not just for spouses. Any qualified potential student can sign up including military members working on degrees and career advancement.

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A Note about The University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix was, at one time, a common presence on military bases for some time. But controversy surrounded the college and the university did not receive a DoD contract in 2015 like the previously mentioned schools did. A CNN Money report notes that the Federal Trade Commission put the school under investigation in 2015.

However, University of Phoenix may still have obligations to certain military students to complete degree programs. Any military member or spouse that began a degree program with this college and looks to return to school will need to discuss their needs including University of Phoenix transcripts with an academic advisor. Get advice on the best way to proceed with the University of Phoenix credits previously earned.

It’s best to act sooner on this issue rather than later to avoid future problems with access to transcripts, recognition of applicable school credit, transferring etc.

How to Find Colleges at an Overseas Military Base

The first resource to use when trying to find on-campus or distance learning in your location? The Education Office at your military base. Some branches of the military may label their education office the Adult Education Office or Adult Education Center. When doing a Google search for college opportunities at overseas bases, you will encounter search results for base education that is aimed at dependent children and parents.

You can help refine your search and save time by adding “adult education” to your list of search terms and searching for phrases such as “college classes overseas military bases Germany” or other highly-targeted and location specific search tactics.

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Distance Learning Options outside the Military System: Pros and Cons

The nature of online education allows military members and spouses the option of simply signing up for an online degree program at the college of their choice. The time zone difference is one advantage that students at overseas military bases have when selecting a program associated with the military base or theater of operations.

Distance learning at overseas military bases will, when administered in the local area, feature classes that meet at “regular” times for that part of the world. There may be programs aimed at those who do shift work depending on location. In general, students will find that the locally-hosted programs that meet in person or require online attendance will meet at typical times of day.

But if you sign up for distance learning or online degree programs that are administered stateside, you will be required to show up when the class meets–on stateside time.

That isn’t a problem for some, but the time delay factor is a serious one for many students. It cannot be taken lightly when choosing a program. That’s one compelling argument for looking at the local degree programs offered at the military base first.

You may decide in the end that the stateside based program is more to your liking. Adjusting to the time differences and the school schedule based on those differences may be more challenging for some than for others.

Another issue is internet connectivity. Depending on the quality of your connection at the overseas location, you may or may not experience technical issues at times with classroom attendance that is half a world away. Know what to expect from your equipment, connections, and connection speeds before you commit to taking classes administered in real-time from a U.S. time zone.

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Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

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Military members and their families have many education benefits to choose from regardless of the branch of service. But not all education benefits are provided via the Post 9/11 GI Bill or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Each branch of military service, including the Coast Guard, has its own unique education benefits directly or indirectly. Some of those are specifically for spouses and/or family members.

What do we mean by “indirectly”? These benefits are not always provided by the service itself. Non-profit agencies and other military-affiliated agencies often provide this assistance to the families of a specific branch of military service.

What follows are the service specific educational benefits not associated with the VA or the GI Bill. It doesn’t matter if you wear an Army uniform, work for the Air Force, the Navy, Marines, or the Coast Guard. There is financial help for the education of your spouse and college-age family members. In many cases, these programs are administered by not-for-profit or non-profit groups.

**Important note: all of the third parties linked to in this article work with the Department of Defense and/or the individual branches of military service. These agencies are not part of the government, but work in partnership with it.

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Educational Scholarship and Grant Programs for U.S. Army Families

The Army Emergency Relief Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP)

SEAP is a need-based education assistance program designed to provide spouses and surviving spouses of active duty soldiers living stateside. This program offers a variable amount per academic year for stateside college attendance. The maximum amount awarded in 2018 was just over $2,800.

Operated by a private company called Army Emergency Relief, this program is not an entitlement. Applicants are not automatically approved just because they potentially qualify.

The program is subject to available funding issues. Other variables may affect the number of approvals and the amount of funds issued via those approvals.

Those who get free tuition via their employers cannot get tuition reimbursement from SEAP. They may apply for financial help with fees, books, supplies, expenses, and other costs for approved coursework.

Qualifying military spouses must be enrolled, accepted, or pending acceptance as a full-time or part-time student. This benefits only apply at an accredited post-secondary or vocational institution listed in the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Post-secondary Institutions. Additionally:

• The military spouse must not have a prior bachelor’s degree
• The spouse must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale
• National Guard, Reserves, or other military branches are not eligible
• Student must be registered in DEERS and not already be fully funded elsewhere. According to the SEAP official site, “No student can receive funding above the school’s established Cost of Attendance – once all costs are covered, any remaining funds must be returned.”

Learn more at the SEAP application page. Up to four years of scholarships are available for full-time students and eight years for part-time students.

The Army Emergency Relief (AER) James Ursano Scholarship Program for Dependent Children

The AER Major General James Ursano Scholarship Program is a need-based scholarship program for qualifying Army dependent children seeking their first undergraduate degree. This scholarship varies each year depending on demand, budget constraints, and other variables.

In 2018, these scholarships ranged from $670 to $4,290. There is a specific open season for applying for this scholarship. Once that season is closed, applicants must wait until the following open season to submit. AER scholarship funds for this program are submitted to the school directly. Funding is not provided for summer coursework.

Ursano Scholarship funds can be applied towards tuition, fees, books, supplies, and school room and board. Scholarship funds may be adjusted if the student is receiving financial assistance from another source. Qualifying criteria for this program includes:

• Must be a dependent of a Soldier on active duty, retired, or deceased
• Must be registered in DEERS
• Must be under the age of 23
• Student must remain unmarried for the entire academic year
• National Guard, Reserves, and members of other military branches do not qualify
• Must be enrolled, accepted, or pending acceptance as a full-time student in an institution listed in the US Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Post-secondary Institutions.

Learn more or apply at the official site. Like the AER scholarship for spouses, this is not an entitlement program and applications are not automatically approved.

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Educational Scholarship and Grant Programs for Air Force Family Members

Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program

This grant is described as “the centerpiece” of Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) education programs, offering need-based education grants to qualifying dependents of;

• active duty
• Title 10 AGR/Reserve
• Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty
• Retired active duty
• Retired Reservists
• Deceased Air Force members.

Stateside military spouses of active duty members are welcome to apply for this Air Force Aid Society educational grant, as well as spouses of Title 10 AGR/Reservists, and surviving spouses of military members who have died.

The official site for the Arnold Education Grant states that the program is competitive and need-based. The “grants now range from $500 to $4,000 with the highest amounts going to the students with greatest demonstrated need.”

The application of this grant is limited to tuition, books and fees, and what the official site describes as “other direct expenses.” Learn more or apply for this Air Force Aid Society grant at the AFAS site.

Air Force Aid Society Merit Scholarship for Dependents and Spouses

Air Force Aid Society awards ten or more Merit Scholarships per year. These are $5,000 scholarships for qualifying dependent children, spouses of active duty, and retired Air Force members.

The scholarship is awarded competitively based on grades and other requirements. This AFAS program is intended for freshmen students “who have already successfully completed both parts of the Arnold Education Grant application” according to the AFAS official site. Being awarded an Arnold Grant is not a pre-requisite, but applying for one is.

The selection process is not automatic. Students are vetted and chosen based on “cumulative GPA, high school transcripts and an essay written on a specified topic” according to the official site. The grant awards are announced each July with funds paid directly to the school. This grant may be used to pay tuition, fees, books, and materials as required.

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Educational Scholarship and Grant Programs For U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Families

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers qualifying Marine and Navy spouses a need-based program of grants and loans under its Education Assistance Program. These funds are available for two and four-year degrees, technical and vocational programs, and other approved educational opportunities.

The program is intended for spouses and children of active duty, retired, or deceased Navy/Marine Corps members. Eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

• A child under age 23 as of May 1, 2019 of an active duty, retired or deceased Sailor or Marine OR
• The spouse of an active duty or retired Sailor or Marine OR
• A Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program student.

You may apply for this program if you meet the criteria above, are registered in DEERS (Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System), and are either enrolled or intend to enroll as a full-time student for the entire academic year.

The following eligible types of degree programs include undergraduate degrees, vo/tech classes, and other approved programs that are located in the United States. They are accredited by an approved agency and participate in U.S. Department of Education Title IV Financial Aid Programs.

All applicants must have a 2.0 GPA or better and be able to demonstrate financial need. These grants and loans may range from between $500 and $3000 per academic year. They may only be used to pay for tuition, books, fees, and housing.

Each grant or loan must be re-applied for in successive years. Loans are paid via military payroll deductions which begin immediately upon loan disbursement. In the case of loans under this program, there are no interest payments. All deductions pay the principal of the loan amount.

Learn more or apply at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society official site.

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Educational Scholarship and Grant Programs For Coast Guard Families

The Coast Guard Foundation Spouse Education Grant

This grant is administered by the non-profit Coast Guard Foundation. They offer up to $500 per calendar year to help pay for school costs not covered by other programs. Books, transportation expenses, and school fees may be paid using this grant.

The funds are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. They should be seeking degrees by taking approved undergraduate or graduate courses or obtaining certificates and licensing.

Spouses of Coast Guard active duty enlisted members between the grades of E3 and E6 may apply. Apouses of Coast Guard Reservists may also qualify when the service member has been on “any type of active duty orders for at least one year in duration” according to the official site. Learn more or apply online.

Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship for Children of Enlisted Coast Guard Members and Veterans

Qualifying dependent children of active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard members may apply for this scholarship. They paid between $1 thousand and $5 thousand per approved applicant in 2018.

Eligible students are unmarried children of enlisted Coast Guard members on active duty, retired, or deceased. Children of Coast Guard Reserve members may qualify if the military member has been on extended active duty of 180 days or longer.

Applicants must be in the DEERS system, be working toward a first degree, and all applicants must be 24 or younger when they apply. Unlike other programs, Coast Guard spouses are NOT eligible to apply, only dependent children.

Ineligible students include, but may not be limited to:

• Coast Guard Spouses
• Active duty Coast Guard members
• Children of commissioned officers to include warrant officers
• Those working on a second undergraduate degree, masters or doctorate
• Applicants pursuing a degree at an unaccredited institution

Learn more or apply at the official site.

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Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

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There are many ways military families can get financial help for college, ranging from the most obvious (transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits from a military member to dependents) to lesser-known by-state resources, grants, and tuition waivers.

It may take a little research and some digging around to find the most appropriate military financial aid for family members for you, but the effort is definitely worth the savings you’ll realize when it’s time to add up the benefits.

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College Financial Aid For Families: The Post 9/11 GI Bill

The Post 9/11 GI Bill allows currently serving military members to transfer their education benefits to DEERS-enrolled dependents. The catch is that this transfer requires a minimum time in service (six years) and a new four-year re-enlistment commitment.

According to the VA official site, the following rules apply:

• Those meeting the six-year minimum time-in-service requirement may transfer any unused portion of their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit. That includes all 36 months of benefits in cases where none of the GI Bill has yet been utilized.
• The Department of Defense or Department of Homeland Security reserves the right to limit the number of transferable months of GI Bill benefits.
• The following family members (who are registered in DEERS) are eligible to use transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits; spouses, one or more dependent children, or any combination of spouse and child.

DoD Guidance in 2018 limits the GI Bill transfer option to those who meet minimum time-in-service requirements but also who have 16 or fewer years of total military service (active or reserve). This restriction takes effect in July 2019.

How Transferred GI Bill Benefits Can Be Used To Pay Education Expenses

In cases where the transfer of entitlement is approved, the spouse or dependent children may apply up to the maximum amount of remaining GI Bill entitlement and money is available to pay for tuition, housing, plus a stipend for books/supplies. The GI Bill housing stipend is based on the location of the school rather than the student’s address.

When Military Children And Military Spouses Can Use Transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

Post 9/11 GI Bill rules for transferring the benefit to a spouse include (but may not be limited to) the following, as per the Department of Veterans Affairs official site:

• Military spouses are permitted to use GI Bill benefits immediately upon transfer.
• Spouses may use the benefit while the service member is active duty or after leaving the service, though this policy may change in 2019.
• Military spouses will not receive the GI Bill monthly housing allowance while the service member remains on active duty.
• Spouses can access the transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill benefit for up to 15 years after the veteran leaves active duty. This policy may change in 2019.

Post 9/11 GI Bill rules for transferring the benefit to dependent children are not identical to the rules that cover spouses. The rules for transferring Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits to dependent children include (but may not be limited to) the following, as per the Department of Veterans Affairs official site:

• Depending military children can use transferred GI Bill benefits only after the service member completes a minimum of 10 years total military service.
• Dependent children can use the GI Bill benefit while the service member is active duty or after separating from the military. This policy is subject to change in 2019.
• A high school diploma or equivalency certificate is required unless the dependent is 18 or older.
• Unlike military spouses, dependent children are eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill monthly housing allowance even when the service member is still serving.

Transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits may be used even if the dependent child marries, or if the spouses happen to divorce. The service member has the right to cancel the transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits at any time. Learn more about GI Bill benefits transfers at the Vets.Gov official website.

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College Financial Aid For Military Spouses And Dependent Children: State Education Benefits

One of the best-kept secrets about paying for college for military spouses and dependent children? Military benefits offered by individual states. There are a variety of scholarships, grants, and tuition waivers for qualifying military spouses and children.

Some of these are dependent on the veteran’s discharge, VA-rated disabilities, financial need, the veteran’s combat status, and much more.

The Minnesota GI Bill is an excellent example of one such benefit. Unrelated to the GI Bill offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Minnesota GI Bill is a state-funded program offering financial aid to qualifying veterans, dependents, and military spouses.

Up to $10,000 is available to qualifying surviving spouses or children “of a person who has served in the military at any time”, and who has died or has a VA-rated 100% permanent and total disability as a direct result military service.

Another state-funded program is found in Texas under legislation known as the Hazelwood Act. This allows up to 150 hours of tuition waivers at state-supported schools.

It may seem daunting to try a search for state-supported military education benefits for dependent children and military spouses, but many of these benefits can be found at your home state’s official site or the state Department of Veterans Affairs.

When searching for your state’s Department of Veterans Affairs official site, be sure to include the name of the state in your search to differentiate from the federal Department of Veterans Affairs official site.

That said, the VA official site has an index of State Veterans Affairs offices you can use to begin your search.

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Educational Assistance From Military Aid Societies

Each branch of the military has an aid society:

• Army Emergency Relief
• Air Force Aid Society
• Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society
• Coast Guard Foundation

Each one offers a different type of assistance; the Army version includes the Spouse Education Assistance Program which offers up to $2,100 or more depending on need, circumstances and other factors. This is just one of several options open to qualifying military families.

The Air Force Aid Society also has a variety of scholarships, grants, and other assistance programs. One is the competitive, need-based General Henry H. Arnold Education Assistance Grant program offering up to $4,000 in education funds based on the specific needs of the student.

The Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society features an interest-free Spouse Tuition Aid Loan Program (STAP) for spouses who are stationed outside the Continental United States (CONUS) and also a variety of need-based grant options for financial aid up to $3,000 per academic year depending on circumstances. There are many other options available in addition to STAP.

The Coast Guard Foundation offers several college financial aid packages including The Captain Ernest W. Fox Perpetual Scholarship, “for qualified active duty Coast Guard, civil service employee personnel or their dependents at the Coast Guard Aviation Logistic Center.“

Other Coast Guard options include The Lisa Cook Reed Spouse Education Scholarship program, designed to assist “non-military spouses of Enlisted Coast Guard members in ranks E3-E6 studying at a nationally or regionally accredited institution with the award covering expenses like books, school fees, transportation, and childcare costs”.

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MyCAA Scholarships For Military Spouses

The My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) Scholarship awards up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses working toward licensure, professional certification, or an Associate’s degree in a “portable career field and occupation” that could travel with a military family.

Restrictions To MyCAA

There are certain restrictions for the MyCAA program including a time limit (the education must be completed within three years of application) and rank requirements (Enlisted ranks E-1 to E-5, Warrant Officer ranks W-1 and W-2, and officers O-1 and O-2).

The degree pursued cannot be a “no concentration” degree such as Liberal Arts or General Studies. Books and supplies are not covered in the scholarship, and reimbursements for money already spent are not possible.

Getting Started With MyCAA

Military spouses must create an account at the MyCAA official site and begin filling out application data to determine eligibility. Spouses may be required to have the assistance of an academic advisor and submit the application data in a “typed format”.

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The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

The DEA program offers college financial assistance to qualifying dependents of veterans who are VA-rated as totally and permanently disabled. This benefit is also available to the dependents of veterans who died on duty or as the result of a service-connected medical issue. Qualifying children and military spouses may apply for DEA benefits.

Amount Of Available DEA Benefits

Up to 45 months of education benefits may be available, which can be used for higher education degrees, certificate programs, approved apprenticeship programs, even on-the-job training.

The VA official site reports that some eligible dependents may be eligible for up to 81 months of GI Bill benefits if the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance program is utilized in conjunction with an entitlement from other VA education programs.

DEA and the Fry Scholarship

Dependents cannot use the Fry Scholarship (see below) in conjunction with the DEA program in most cases. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “Dependents are not eligible to receive both DEA and Fry Scholarship based on the same event (like a Servicemember dying in the line of duty) unless he or she is a child whose parent died prior to August 1, 2011.”

The official site adds that in the case where a dependent child lost a veteran parent before August 1, 2011, the dependent may be eligible for both benefits but can only utilize one program at a time. In such cases, combined benefits have a total limit of 81 months of full-time training. DEA and the Fry Scholarship cannot be used at the same time in any case.

Who Is Eligible For DEA?

The Department of Veterans Affairs requires DEA applicants to be the son, daughter, or spouse of one of the following as described on the VA official site:

• A Veteran who died or is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability.
• A Veteran who died from any cause while such permanent and total service-connected disability was in existence.
• A Servicemember missing in action or captured in line of duty.
• A Servicemember “forcibly detained or interned” in the line of duty by a foreign power.
• A Servicemember who is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged from military service for that disability.

Dependent children applying for DEA benefits must be between the ages of 18 and 26.

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The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

The Fry Scholarship provides up to 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to qualifying children and surviving spouses of military members who died on duty after September 10, 2001.

Qualifying dependent children are eligible for this benefit after turning 18. There is a time limit for some Fry Scholarship recipients; according to the VA, dependent children who become eligible before January 1, 2013, are no longer able to use the Fry Scholarship upon reaching their 33rd birthday. This restriction does not apply if the child became eligible on or after January 1, 2013. Surviving spouses do not have a time limit to use this benefit but will lose eligibility for the Fry Scholarship if they remarry.

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Joe Wallace is a 13-year veteran of the United States Air Force and a former reporter for Air Force Television News

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There are many considerations in choosing between a coding bootcamp versus earning a computer science degree. Learning to code is the first step for those looking to join a growing and limitless industry, but the path forward doesn’t necessarily mean going to college for a computer science degree – future web developers now have the option of attending coding bootcamps.

What is a coding bootcamp?

Similar to how military bootcamps train civilians to be service members in just a few months, coding bootcamps teach the fundamentals of software development in just a few weeks.

These highly specialized bootcamps are designed to help individuals start a new, tech-focused career by teaching the most important aspects of coding and immediately applying that knowledge to solve real-world problems. Think of coding bootcamps as vocational training schools – as such, they are focused primarily around teaching you practical and applicable skills. Students will learn some general programming information along with the most up-to-date web-programming technologies needed in the market. Additionally, students have the opportunity to work as a team to solve problems – a valuable soft skill in the tech industry. All in all, students who attend coding bootcamps are well-versed in the fundamentals of how to code, have practical experience with software development, and have knowledge of the latest technology at their fingertips.

Coding bootcamps can last anywhere from 12-28 weeks, and the average cost is about $11,400. The curriculum covered includes: Ruby, Python, JavaScript, GitHub, APIs, and career coaching.

What does a computer science degree offer?

A computer science degree typically takes about four years to obtain and at least $40,000 over the course of that same time frame.

Though the price tag and time commitment may seem steep, the additional investment in learning about computer science means that students gain a deeper knowledge of the field. Where coding bootcamps are built to teach you how to immediately apply your knowledge in the real-world, a computer science degree teaches established programming practices and why operating systems and computers work the way that they do. One major advantage of knowing the “why” of the science of computers is the ability to scale and better understand source problems. A disadvantage is that computer science graduates sometimes don’t have that practical real-world knowledge and application – skills like working in a team and having the most up-to-date information – that bootcamp students receive.

The curriculum covered in computer science courses includes: programming in Java, programming in C++, operating system design, computer science theory, advanced mathematics, and algorithms.

Which makes you more employable?

That depends on your potential employer and your goals. Simply having a certification from a coding bootcamp certainly makes you employable. But, if your goal is to become the VP of engineering at a large organization, a computer science degree will better help your career as four-year degrees are still looked upon more favorably when evaluating candidates for leadership roles. Is your goal to work at a startup? Then a coding bootcamp will help you land the job as startups tend to prefer candidates who are self-taught and have an entrepreneurial spirit. Coding bootcamps will also give you the skills needed to build your app, website, or tool if your goal is to launch your own startup.

Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have to choose one or the other. Many industry experts agree that having both a computer science degree and attending a coding bootcamp provides a more well-rounded education when put together. If you’re interested in starting a career in software development, you can get your computer science degree and then join a bootcamp after graduation while you’re looking for jobs or join a bootcamp, find employment, and go to school while you’re working.

When it comes to salaries, both computer science and coding bootcamp graduates can expect to make around $65,000 per year as an entry-level employee according to GlassDoor.com. As far as job descriptions are concerned, computer science graduates often become software applications developers, computer systems analysts, and web developers while bootcamp graduates find themselves in the role of software engineer, web developer, and front-end web developers.

Computer Science Degree Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths: Math foundation, well rounded education in other fields, more GI Bill options, greater job opportunities, better positioned for career growth, internship opportunities

Weaknesses: Higher Cost, longer time commitment, often behind the curve with technologies, limited on web development

Coding Bootcamp Strengths/Weaknesses

Strengths: Lower cost, coding immersion, job support, short time commitment, enter industry quicker

Weaknesses: Less math and other educational building blocks, limited learning development

Summary of Considerations

• Education Cost
• Time Commitment
• Curriculum
• Job Opportunities & Career Growth
• Future earnings

Does the G.I. Bill cover coding bootcamps?

Yes, but only at approved coding schools. The Forever G.I. Bill has launched a 5-year pilot program for veterans to enroll in high technology courses including coding bootcamps. View the list of eligible coding bootcamps here.

 

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Kristen Baker-Geczy is a communications specialist, active duty military spouse, and former MWR marketing coordinator. She was also deployed to Southwest Asia as an Air Force contractor.

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