Voluntary Education Websites

Federal Grants, Loans and Tools

The following resources offer information on federal grants, loans, scholarships and tools to help service members and veterans pay for the costs of higher education.

• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support, or DANTES: DANTES supports the off-duty voluntary education programs of the Defense Department by helping eligible service members and their families pursue their education goals. DANTES provides programs and services in certification, counselor support, distance learning and examinations, and manages the Tuition Assistance Program.
• U.S. Department of Education: This website provides information for students, parents, teachers and administrators, including links related to student aid, grants, scholarships and education legislation.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training: The VA offers education programs and benefits for veterans of military service as well as education benefits to surviving family members. Find information on education and training, veteran readiness and employment, GI Bill® benefits and more.
• The American Council on Education Military Guide, or ACE: The ACE Military Guide is an online tool created by the American Council on Education. It is the standard reference for evaluating learning acquired through military experience. The guide allows personnel to search by military occupational specialty or courses and provides the recommended academic credit equivalent.
• Federal Student Aid: Federal Student Aid is an official U.S. government website that provides information and resources for college students and their families to assist them in choosing the right college, applying for financial aid and repaying student loans. Students and their families will also find the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA®, which they will use to determine what kinds and how much aid they qualify for.
• Federal Grants: A grant is a form of financial aid that a student does not need to repay. The federal government offers grant programs for eligible students in the form of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant.
• Federal Direct Student Loans: The U.S. Department of Education offers students Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The government pays interest on Direct Subsidized Loans while students are enrolled at least half-time, for six months after leaving school and during deferment. Students pay interest on Direct Unsubsidized Loans at all times. Repayment for both loan types begins after graduation, leaving school or dropping below half-time enrollment.