Do Children of Military Personnel Get Free College?
The United States military proudly serves the nation, making sacrifices to protect its people and interests. One important aspect of these sacrifices includes the education and well-being of their children. Are children of military personnel guaranteed free college tuition? We’ll delve into the different programs and opportunities available to them.
Contents
- 1 Priorities-Based Education Bill (PEB)
- 2 Yellow Ribbon Program
- 3 Eligible Education Programs** The following **education programs** are qualified for federal benefits under PEB or the Yellow Ribbon Program: * **Tuition** * **Mandatory Fees** * **Books** (up to $500 per academic year) * **Housing** and **Meal plans** may be included for students choosing to live on campus, but are **not required** Types of Scholarships and Grant Opportunities
- 4 Educational Support and Military-Friendly Schools
Priorities-Based Education Bill (PEB)
One of the most significant advantages for the children of military personnel is the Priorities-Based Education Bill (PEB), which prioritizes their admission to selected colleges and universities. By law, at least two seats are reserved for National Guard and military-connected children at each institution participating in the program.
Peacetime Priorities Benefits
Under PEB, children of active-duty members, veterans, and select reserve members enjoy:
- Guaranteed admissions to participating colleges
- Priority consideration for the remaining slots at participating universities
- Waiving of application fees (if applicable)
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program, established under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, focuses on providing in-state and out-of-state tuition equity for eligible children of Veterans, Active-Duty military, and select Reserve service members. Eligible candidates can receive a tax-free stipend ranging from $25,623 to $52,254 per academic year, or the actual in-state or out-of-state tuition whichever is lower, for qualified programs.
Yellow Ribbon Program Eligibility
Eligible applicants must possess:
- An active Duty member, spouse, child, or Dependent’s ID Card (DoDD 1342.09)
- Prior military experience (e.g., discharged, retired, or surviving spouse)
- A GPA of 3.00 or higher for the applicable academic year
- Complete the FAFSA, if required, and determine financial need (if possible)
Eligible Education Programs**The following **education programs** are qualified for federal benefits under PEB or the Yellow Ribbon Program:
* **Tuition**
* **Mandatory Fees**
* **Books** (up to $500 per academic year)
* **Housing** and **Meal plans** may be included for students choosing to live on campus, but are **not required**
Types of Scholarships and Grant Opportunities
In addition to the priorities-based education and Yellow Ribbon Program, the following types of **scholarships and grant opportunities** might be available for children of military personnel:
* **Military Order of the Purple Heart** scholarship
* **Military Association of Women** scholarship
* **Veterans of Foreign Wars** scholarship
* **American Legion Family** Scholarship
* **WAFS** Scholarship (children of Wounded Warriors or those who lost their primary caregiver)
Educational Support and Military-Friendly Schools
In addition to federal benefits and scholarships, many colleges and universities exhibit **military-friendly campuses**, offering supportive services tailored to military students. Common benefits include:
* **Flexible scheduling and online learning options**
* **Financial aid and military-specific planning**
* **Counseling and advising services**
**Military-Friendly Education Institutions**
These institutions make a concerted effort to meet the unique needs of veterans and military personnel, many of which receive recognition under the Military Times’ list of **Top Military Schools**.
**Table of Military-Friendly Colleges/Universities (2023)**
| Institution |
| — |
| National University |
| University of Phoenix |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
| American InterContinental University |
| University of the Incarnate Word |
| Capella University |
Conclusion**
While federal benefits and priority-based educational programs are substantial, securing free college for children of military personnel involves a variety of factors. By recognizing the available **scholarships, grant opportunities, and military-friendly schools**, these young minds can effectively navigate the landscape and potentially secure financial aid. Supporting the education and well-being of military personnel’s dependents is an essential consideration for ensuring a bright, secure future.
Enhance Your Knowledge with Curated Videos on Guns and Accessories
* **Mandatory Fees**
* **Books** (up to $500 per academic year)
* **Housing** and **Meal plans** may be included for students choosing to live on campus, but are **not required**
* **Military Association of Women** scholarship
* **Veterans of Foreign Wars** scholarship
* **American Legion Family** Scholarship
* **WAFS** Scholarship (children of Wounded Warriors or those who lost their primary caregiver)
* **Financial aid and military-specific planning**
* **Counseling and advising services**
| — |
| National University |
| University of Phoenix |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
| American InterContinental University |
| University of the Incarnate Word |
| Capella University |
