Higher Education for Your Children

Military OneSource stands by your side with information and resources so you can support your child’s education. Military families have several options when it comes to financing your youth’s college or trade school education, including scholarships, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, education grants, loans and college savings programs. Your children’s goals are as important as your own, and Military OneSource has your back as you plan for this milestone. Here are several ways to make college or trade school education possible for your youth.

Regardless of your child’s age, start saving now. It may seem daunting, but there are plenty of ways to put some money away now that will pay dividends to your child’s college education down the line. Many savings plans are available, including 529 Plans, which allow your savings to grow tax-free. The Office of Financial Readiness is also available to help with your financial planning. Talk to a personal financial counselor at your installation. You can also arrange to speak with an education consultant or financial counselor through Military OneSource.

In addition to scholarships, there are education grants which families don’t have to repay, such as Federal Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program.

To begin the grant process, start with the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Most colleges and universities use this form to determine students’ eligibilities for aid, grants and scholarships.

Military families have access to a number of scholarship options to help offset some of the out-of-pocket college expenses. While two scholarships are designed specifically for military-connected teens from any service branch — Scholarships for Military Children Program and the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship — there are dozens of additional scholarships available to military teens through service-specific departments and other military-affiliated organizations such as Operation Homefront, National Military Family Association, Knights of Columbus and branch aid organizations like Air Force Aid Society and Army Emergency Relief.

If you’re taking out a loan, be sure to read the fine print. Colleges, universities and trade schools will offer a host of financial aid packages, so research each carefully to make sure you’re signing up for the right one. You also have the option to borrow directly from the government. Create a personal financial aid spreadsheet to compare which loans and aid your student qualifies for.

Your student may decide a different career path might be a better fit than pursuing a traditional college degree. Many opportunities exist for additional learning and career growth, including:

• Internships and apprenticeships
• Trade and vocational schools
• Adult education and job training programs
• Comprehensive postsecondary transition programs, or CPTs

Most colleges, universities and trade schools now offer in-person and distance learning options that allow for equal access to learning for students with disabilities. To find the right fit for your student seeking traditional learning, begin the search early for higher education. Visit the school virtually or in person, talk to the disability service offices on prospective campuses and reach out to current students with similar disabilities to better understand their learning and living experiences.

Whatever your education goals or challenges may be, your local school liaison can help. School liaisons are located at each installation and are your go-to resource for all things education. They serve parents, educators and military-connected children in grades pre-K through 12. School liaisons offer a wide variety of college, career and military readiness services including:

• Standardized test preparation and scheduling assistance
• Scholarship and financial aid information
• Postsecondary, college and vocational fairs

School liaisons also host workshops to help parents with smooth school transitions, to include college preparation and planning for their children. They can also connect you to the Exceptional Family Member Program and your school’s special education department, as well as provide information about your new school district’s special education program.