• Home
  • Military Discounts
    • Military & Veteran Discount List
    • Local Military & Veterans Discounts
    • Apple Military Discount
    • Veteran & Military Cell Phone Discounts
    • Gym and Health Club Discounts
    • Wedding Military Discounts – Dresses, Rings, Venues & More
    • Under Armour Military & Veterans Discount
  • Benefits
    • 10 Veterans Benefits You May Not Know About
    • 5 Top Military Spouse Benefits
    • Medal of Honor Benefits
    • Purple Heart Benefits
    • Veterans Health A to Z
  • Housing & Home Ownership
    • 2020 BAH Rates
    • 2019 BAH Rates
    • BAH Calculator
    • VA Loan Limits by County
    • VA Home Loan Guide
    • 5 Benefits of a VA Loan
    • VA Home Loan Tools
  • Money & Finance
    • 2020 Defense Budget
    • 2020 Military Pay Charts (proposed)
    • 2019 Pay Charts
    • 2020 BAS Rates
    • 2019 BAS rates
    • Military Pay Dates
    • VA Disability Rates
    • COLA Watch 2020
  • Jobs
    • Veteran Friendly Employers
    • Military Spouse Employment Preference
    • Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS)
    • Security Clearance Jobs After the Military
  • Education
    • Veteran Friendly Colleges
    • Online Colleges with Military Discounts
    • Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide
    • Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)
    • Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) for Post 9/11 GI Bill
    • Forever GI Bill
  • Resources
    • How to Get a Veterans ID Card
    • Veterans ID on Driver’s License or ID Card by State
    • Military ID Cards
    • Military Calendar
    • State Veteran’s Benefits
    • Legislation Watch

Military Benefits

Military Benefits Information for US Military, Active Duty, Reserve, National Guard, Military Spouses and Military Family

You are here: Home / Archives for mycaa

Veteran Friendly Schools & Colleges Membership Lists

by MilitaryBenefits

The military, Department of Defense (DoD), and Veterans Affairs have a variety of programs where colleges and schools can become members. These programs protect service members, veterans, military spouses and dependents to help ensure they receive a quality education. Below is a list of these programs and links to the member directories of the veteran friendly colleges and schools that are on these lists.

Note: The U.S. Government, DoD, and Veterans Affairs or military does NOT expressly endorse or approve a school as Veteran friendly.

ACE (American Council on Education)

Colleges and Universities that participate in ACE are experienced at translating prior military learning experiences into college credit. ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense to review military training and experiences in order to recommend appropriate college credit.  Additionally, ACE will provide recommendations for formal courses and occupations based on an individual’s military training and experience. Gaining college credit for military experience can help save hundreds or thousands of dollars in tuition costs.  ACE Directory

DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)

DANTES supports all DOD components including the Coast Guard by providing a non-traditional education environment to pursue academic and vocational goals.  Dante’s provides education alternatives to service members who cannot attend classes or schools due to work schedules, duty locations that do not permit class attendance.  High school, college, technical, or vocational courses are all available via methods such as textbooks, video, audio tapes, internet, email or TV. Courses can be taken from schools or colleges that are part of Dante’s External. Dante’s External Directory

MyCAA (Military Career Advancement Accounts) Program

This program is for active-duty military Spouses and provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance.  This program is limited to military spouses who are pursuing a license, certification or Associate’s degree in a portable career field and occupation. MyCAA Directory

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon program allows approved institutions of higher learning and the VA to partially or fully fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the established thresholds under the Post‐9/11 GI Bill.  These additional funds do not count against GI Bill entitlements. Yellow Ribbon Directory

VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program

The Principles of Excellence are guidelines for educational schools and institutions receiving federal military and veterans educational funding.  Participating schools agree to principles and guidelines that provide service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents with the information, support, and protections they deserve. VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program Directory

Below, we have grouped the veteran friendly programs as they directly apply to active-duty, veterans, military spouses and dependents.  Indirect benefits and information may still apply to all other groups.

Active Duty

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jason Edwards

 

  • ACE (American Council on Education)
  • DANTES External (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program

Veterans

  • ACE (American Council on Education)
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program

Military Spouses

  • MyCAA (Military Career Advancement Accounts) Program
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program

Dependents

  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Yellow Ribbon Program
  • VA Approved – The Principles of Excellence Program

See the Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide for more information on selecting the best school.

Related Articles
Veteran Friendly Membership Lists for Colleges Veteran Friendly Colleges Guide
College Credit for Military Service & Experience Online Veteran Friendly Colleges

5 Top Military Spouse Benefits

by MilitaryBenefits

Military spouses face many challenges, so it’s nice to have benefits to balance the scale.  Spouses can find many advantages ranging from educational benefits to employment opportunities.  Many programs are provided automatically upon entrance to military service or marriage to a service member.  Listed below are 5 top benefits not provided automatically, but available to military spouses to utilize.

1.  Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA):

One of the most advantageous programs offered to military spouses is the MyCAA Scholarship.  This program offers up to $4,000 in financial assistance to military spouses who are pursuing any of the following offered by an institute aligned with the MyCAA Program:

Military wife with family
Photo by PFC Codey R. Underwood.
  • A License
  • A Certification
  • An Associates Degree

Spouses of active duty, guard, and reserve members holding the ranks of E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 are eligible, and must be able to begin and complete their program while the military member is on Title 10 military orders.

2.  Family Service Members’ Group Life Insurance (FSGLI):

Military spouses are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in life insurance coverage. Military members can elect to enroll their family members in this program for coverage of $10,000 to $100,000.  Spouse and dependent coverage may not exceed the coverage held by the service member, and children are restricted to $10,000. Contact your Military Personnel Office for enrollment information.

3.  Patriot Express:

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has established this small business loan program for veterans and spouses. Its purpose is to assist with the initial costs in establishing a small business, or costs related to expanding a small business.  Low interest rates are assigned to the loans, typically ranging from 2.25%-4.75%.  The SBA guarantees up to 85% of the total loan, with a maximum loan amount of $500,000.

4.  Transferred GI Bill® Benefits:

Education benefits can be transferred from service members to their spouses and children.  Once the military member has reached the required time in service, he or she may elect to assign a portion or all of their GI Bill benefits to a family member. Benefits may be used while the military member is still serving in the Armed Forces.  Spouses are able to use the benefits for up to 15 years after the military member separates from the Armed Forces, and children may use the benefits until they reach 26 years of age. Children may also be eligible for additional benefits, such as monthly housing allowances. Your installation’s Education Office and the Veteran’s Affairs (VA) office can provide additional details.

5.  Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Program:

With military spouse unemployment remaining high, any advantage that can assist in securing a desired position is helpful. Under the MSP, military spouses are given preferential employment placement in vacant Department of Defense (DoD) civilian positions. These vacancies may fall under either civil service or Appropriated/Non-Appropriates Funds. Please contact you local Civilian Personnel Office (CPO) or Human Resources Office (HRO) for current vacancies.

Related Articles
PCS (Permanent Change of Station) Packing Tips PCS Tips For Military Families
Benefits of Families Living on a Military Base Military Family Benefits
Summer Camps for Military Kids Military Marriage Counseling
Advice for New Military Spouses Tips for Sending Care Packages Overseas
10 Great Military Base Perks 5 Ways It’s Great to Be a Military Spouse!

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

by MilitaryBenefits

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program provides up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are continuing their education by pursuing a license, certification, or Associates degree in a portable career field and occupation.

About MyCAA

The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA) is a career development and employment assistance program sponsored by the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program. MyCAA helps military spouses pursue licenses, certificates, certifications, or Associates Degree (excluding Associates Degrees in General Studies, Liberal Arts, and Interdisciplinary Studies that do not have a concentration) necessary for gainful employment in high demand, high growth, Portable Career Fields and Occupations.

What else does MyCAA Offer?

  • Training and Education Financial Assistance – MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of up to $4,000 with an annual fiscal year cap of $2,000 to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring a professional credential needed to meet their Portable Career goal. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2,000 (up to the maximum education benefit of $4,000).
  • Employment Readiness Counseling – Counseling services are provided to all military spouses married to active duty service members of all ranks, regardless of their eligibility to receive MyCAA financial assistance and their desire to pursue higher levels of education. Counseling services help military spouses identify additional sources of federal, state, and local financial assistance expanded career choices and opportunities, and necessary support resources (e.g., child care, transportation, books, computers, equipment, supplies, etc.).
  • Employment Assistance and Career Services – Referrals are made to networks of military friendly employers for MyCAA spouse participants who have completed their programs of study using MyCAA funding and who are ready to seek gainful employment.

Who is eligible?

Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who can start and complete their coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders, including spouses married to members of the National Guard and Reserve Components in these same pay grades.

Are currently employed military spouses eligible?

Yes!

How do military spouses know if a school is participating?

See our MyCAA list by state.

Do spouses have to select a school that is participating?

No, but it can take up to 60 days for approval, and it is recommended to find a school that is participating.  The school and only the school can apply for the MyCAA program.  Spouses can encourage the schools to apply and even provide them the link to the application.  These schools have an incentive to do so if it’s a difference between a military spouse attending the school or not.  The easier path, however, is to choose a school that is already participating.

What are the approved career fields and occupations?

  • Aerospace
  • Animal Services
  • Automotive Services & Transportation
  • Business, Finance & Administration
  • Construction
  • Education
  • Energy
  • Health & Human Services
  • Homeland Security
  • Hospitality
  • Information Technology
  • Legal
  • Skilled Trades
    • Aesthetician or Skin Care Specialist
    • Barber
    • Colorist
    • Cosmetologist
    • Designer
    • Gemologist
    • Journalist
    • Make-up Artist (Theatrical & Performance)
    • Mortuary Science
    • Musical Instrument Repair
    • Nail Technician
    • Photographer
    • Sales Manager
    • Translator/Interpreter
    • Writer/Editor

Where can I get more information?

Contact a Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) Consultant at 1.800.342.9647.

FAQ

I was told since my husband is 100% retired and disabled that I could get this program to pay for my school or receive money. I just went to school to become a CNA. I paid for it out of pocket. Could I be reimbursed or receive money to continue my education? I was told I could get up to $2,000.00 the first year, and another the second. They said it was only for one time.

You may be eligible for education benefits if your husband is permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability that arose from active duty service in the Armed Service. You’ll need to complete the Application for Survivors’ and Dependents Educational Assistance Form, VA form 22-5490, and send it to the VA regional office in your area. Also, since you have already started training ask the school you’re attending to complete VA Form 22-1999 and send both to Veterans Affairs.

I don’t believe my school is on the list for MyCAA. How would I go about receiving this money for the school? As it states above that it is possible but just takes longer.  School name: National College of Technicial Instruction – in Roseville, CA.

Schools must participate in the MyCAA program in order to qualify for aid. Spouses can and are encouraged to have their schools apply but ultimately only the school can complete this process. It also takes up to 60 days to complete the process. Lastly, MyCAA will not pay or refund tuition costs for courses you’re already enrolled in. If this school is the best fit for you, try speaking with the school and even give them the link to the MyCAA “Come on Board” program to get them to apply.


Related Articles
MyCAA FAQ MyCAA Approved Schools By State
Military Friendly Colleges Military Friendly Colleges Guide
Military Spouse Education Benefits Great Degree Options for Military Spouses
10 Tips for Military Spouses Going Back to School Military Spouse Job Assistance & Education Resources
Work From Home Jobs for Military Spouses Columbia Southern University

List Of MyCAA Schools Outside the United States

by MilitaryBenefits

List of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Programs outside the United States:

Outside the United States MyCAA Approved Schools

School NameAccreditation TypeTax StatusTeaching MethodSTATE
MARIACY BEAUTY ACADEMYNationalPrivate - For ProfitClassroom OnlyGU
UNIVERSITY OF GUAMRegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and OnlineGU
NORTHERN MARIANAS COLLEGERegionalPublic - Non ProfitNot ReportedMP
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICORegionalPrivate - Non ProfitClassroom OnlyPR
ESCUELA HOTELERA DE SAN JUANNationalNot ReportedNot ReportedPR
HUERTAS COLLEGERegionalPrivate - For ProfitClassroom OnlyPR
INSTITUTO DE BANCA Y COMERCIONationalPrivate - For ProfitClassroom OnlyPR
INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - AGUADILLARegionalPrivate - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and OnlinePR
INTER AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO - GUAYAMA CAMPUSRegionalPrivate - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and OnlinePR
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE(FORMERLY NATIONAL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND COLLEGES)RegionalPrivate - For ProfitBoth Classroom and OnlinePR
NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER LEARNING CENTER-PUERTO RICOStateNot ReportedNot ReportedPR
SAN JUAN BAUTISTA SCHOOL OF MEDICINENot ReportedNot ReportedClassroom OnlyPR
SAN JUAN SCHOOL OF INTERIOR DESIGNNot ReportedNot ReportedNot ReportedPR
UNIVERSIDAD DEL ESTERegionalPrivate - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and OnlinePR
UNIVERSIDAD DEL TURABORegionalPrivate - Non ProfitClassroom OnlyPR
UNIVERSIDAD METROPOLITANARegionalPrivate - Non ProfitClassroom OnlyPR
MANILA DOCTORS COLLEGENot ReportedNot ReportedNot ReportedPW
UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDSRegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and OnlineVI


* Last Updated on January 17, 2019.

List Of MyCAA Schools in Wyoming

by MilitaryBenefits

List of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Programs in Wyoming:

Wyoming MyCAA Approved Schools

School NameAccreditation TypeTax StatusTeaching Method
CASPER COLLEGERegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and Online
COLLEGEAMERICA - FLAGSTAFFNationalPrivate - For ProfitClassroom Only
LARAMIE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGERegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and Online
NATIONAL OUTDOOR LEADERSHIP SCHOOLOtherPrivate - Non ProfitClassroom Only
NORTHWEST COLLEGERegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and Online
SHERIDAN COLLEGERegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and Online
TETON YOGA SHALAOtherPrivate - For ProfitClassroom Only
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMINGRegionalPublic - Non ProfitBoth Classroom and Online


* Last Updated on January 17, 2019.

Next Page »

Popular Articles

New VA Loan Limit Rules

VA Disability Rates

2020 Military Pay (proposed)

Military Pay Calculator

2020 BAH Rates (proposed)

Newsletter Signup

Follow Us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
  • twitter
  • youtube
Military Benefits · About · Advertise · Contact · Corrections · Businesses: Add Discount · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · Disclosure · Newsletter · Unsubscribe · Copyright © 2019
Disclaimer: This is a private website that is NOT affiliated with the U.S. government, U.S. Armed Forces or Department of Veteran Affairs. U.S. government agencies have not reviewed this information. This site contains information about GI Bill benefits, VA loans, news and services for military veterans and is not connected with any government agency. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). If you would like to find more information about benefits offered by Veteran Affairs, visit the official site for veterans benefits at Veterans Affairs. The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
Gainful Employment Disclosure: For more information about program cost, educational debt, and completion rates of students who attended these programs, visit here.