You’ve stood by your military hero and supported our country. We cannot thank you enough for your courage and sacrifice in service to the United States and for helping defend our freedom.
Bryan University is proud to be a GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon college while helping military veterans and their families train for careers during and after their service.
Take a look at answers to frequently asked questions about military spouse education benefits.
What education benefits are available to me as a military spouse?
The U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs offer several educational benefits for military spouses. Each branch of the military also has its own education assistance programs for the immediate family of service members, found on the Military OneSource website through the U.S. Government.
Some military spouse benefits include, but are not limited to:
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program (NMCRS EAP): Military spouses may receive interest-free loans and grants from $500 to $3,000 per academic year for undergraduate programs.
Army Emergency Relief Spouse Education Assistance Program: The Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program gives you up to four years of need-based assistance for full-time students or eight years of part-time studies if you are eligible.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Supplemental Education Grants: This program can reimburse eligible family members for certain costs associated with seeking a college education, vocational and technical training certificate, or a general equivalency diploma for those in the Coast Guard.
My Career Advancement Account Scholarship Program, or MyCAA: This workforce development program provides eligible military spouses with up to $4,000 total in financial assistance for pursuing or maintaining educational opportunities for continuing ed, a license or certification, or an associate degree to gain employment in an occupation or career field. The overall goal is to prepare you for a career-focused education while attending a two-year college.
ThanksUSA Special Military Spouse Scholarships: This program provides a full-tuition scholarship for an eligible military spouse enrolling in a full-time course of study at a two or four-year college or university, vocational, technical or trade school program, or a non-degree licensure and certification program. You must be a spouse of active-duty, discharged or retired U.S. military personnel. The deadline for application is in the spring every year.
Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program: Sponsored by the National Military Family Association, this program provides scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 to spouses of active-duty, retired and reserve/guard members. You can use this scholarship to pursue postsecondary and professional training programs.
The GI Bill®: Perhaps one of the largest educational assistance programs for military veterans and their families, veterans can transfer all or a portion of the 36 months of unused post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to a spouse or child. The service member must complete the request while serving as an active member of the military. This benefit covers tuition, housing, books and supplies. The service member must also complete at least six years of service and add four more years of service to earn this benefit.
What do military spouse education benefits pay for?
Depending on what benefits you are eligible for, military spouse education benefits can help you pay for:
- Tuition
- Books
- Supplies
- Housing
- Fees
- Accreditation
- Trade school
- Vocational school
- Undergraduate degrees
- Advanced training
- Continuing education opportunities
Will the military cover all of my education expenses as a military spouse?
Not necessarily. It’s important to recognize that you or your military service member must meet certain eligibility requirements to obtain benefits from the U.S. government as a military spouse.
There are plenty of private and nonprofit sources for education assistance to cover expenses not provided by the Department of Defense. You must examine the qualifications of each form of financial aid before applying. Bryan University’s staff can help you determine what benefits you qualify for.
What does the GI Bill®cover for my military spouse education benefits?
The post-9/11 GI Bill® pays for up to 36 months (three years) of college, provided it is transferable to you for:
- 100% of tuition and fees for public, in-state tuition
- Monthly housing allowance based on the cost of living where your school is located
- Up to $1,000 per school year for books and supplies.
Can military spouses go to college on base?
Yes, if there are such opportunities. This generally occurs at overseas bases.
Can military spouses attend college online?
Absolutely! Military spouses can also get financial aid, so long as the online classes meet the eligibility requirements.
Can military spouses apply for Pell Grants?
Yes, military spouses can apply for more traditional forms of educational assistance through the U.S. Department of Education.
Do individual colleges and universities offer educational assistance for military spouses?
These educational awards are up to each individual institution. Some higher education institutions offer financial aid while others do not.
What educational benefits do military spouses reap by attending college?
You have several benefits for attending college, including:
- Turning your personal interests into a career. With so many career-focused choices, you have limitless opportunities and potential when you formalize your passion into a diploma, certification, or degree.
- Job market opportunities. It’s important to research the job market before you decide to go to college for your chosen field.
- Choose your educational track. While you already understand your interests, you may not realize how many course tracks you can follow as you research your college choices.
- Pick a program that works around YOU. You’re busy as a spouse and maybe a parent. Career-focused programs, like the ones at Bryan University, give you the flexibility to attend college while fulfilling other obligations in your life, such as being a parent and having a job.
- Expand your horizons and opportunities. Gaining entry into an interesting field gives you opportunities for growth. Where you go is up to you!
How can Bryan University help me attend school as a military spouse?
The team at Bryan University helps you put your military spouse education benefits to work.
We provide:
Quick and efficient training. Every course you take in your career track helps to prepare you for your job with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
Variety of programs. We offer four basic programs and a variety of options. The School of Allied Health prepares you for work in a doctor’s office or clinic. The School of Health & Wellness provides courses for personal training. Our School of Trades trains you to work as a solar energy technician, while the School of Business prepares you to manage teams of people.
Call us at 1-855-862-0755 or apply now for more information!