A Guide to Education Benefits for Military Families

Serving in the United States Armed Forces comes with a range of education benefits for service members and their families. Whether you’re a military spouse planning your next career move or a child of a military family exploring college programs, you may qualify for a variety of government resources, university grants, and private scholarships.

Who Qualifies for Education Benefits for Military Dependents?

In this blog, you’ll learn about the most common military spouse scholarships, general military dependent scholarships, and other education benefits for military dependents. But who counts as a military dependent?

man in a military uniform wearing a backpack hugging 2 kids, one boy and one girl A military dependent is a family member of an active-duty service member, reservist, National Guard member, or veteran. Most dependents are spouses or children of the service member. Stepchildren, adopted children, and other approved family members who rely on the service member for financial support may also qualify.

Eligibility for military education benefits for military dependents varies by benefit. The service member’s status or service history is often a factor. A child’s age can also affect eligibility for certain military dependent scholarships and benefits.

Education Benefits for Military Spouses Only

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

Many military spouse education benefits are open to both military spouses and children. MyCAA, however, provides scholarships specifically for military spouses. Funded by the US government, these scholarships for military spouses provide up to $4,000 of financial assistance. MyCAA military spouse scholarships can be used for certificates or associate degrees. At South University, these military spouse scholarships could help you pursue an associate degree in Medical Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, and more.

Education Benefits for Both Military Spouses and Children

Transfer of Education Benefit (TEB)

A qualifying service member enrolled in the Post-9/11 GI Bill® may transfer up to 36 months of unused education benefits to a spouse and/or dependent children; they must meet certain service and obligation requirements.* Transferred education benefits for military families can cover tuition, housing, books, supplies, and certain fees.

As a military spouse, you can use transferred education benefits immediately. If your spouse separated from service after 2013, there is no time limit on when you can use your transferred military spouse education benefits. (A 15-year limit applies if your spouse left the military before 2013.) Dependent children can use transferred benefits after their parent completes 10 years of service. Children must be under 26 to receive transferred education benefits for military dependents. Visit the VA website for more on how to transfer GI Bill^® benefits to dependents.

Fry Scholarship

Fry Scholarships support children and surviving spouses of military members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. Named for Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry, these military scholarships for dependents can be applied toward tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, tutors, and more. You may receive up to 36 months of education benefits with this scholarship. To learn more about eligibility and how to apply, visit the VA’s Fry Scholarship page.

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship can help you pursue an undergraduate degree in the science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. With this scholarship, dependents using the Fry Scholarship may receive up to 9 additional months of benefits (or up to $30,000). STEM undergraduate programs at South University include those in Information Technology, Nursing, Public Health, and Healthcare. For more details on eligibility and applications, visit the VA’s STEM scholarship page.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA)

The DEA program (sometimes known as Chapter 35) provides education benefits for military spouses and children of veterans or service members who have died or are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service. Dependents can receive up to 36 months of education assistance. Payment amounts vary by enrollment and program type. Dependents qualified through both parents may receive concurrent benefits

Yellow Ribbon Program

South University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for all of our degree programs. Military spouses and dependents can qualify for the program when using transferred benefits with 100% Post 9/11 GI Bill^® eligibility.* Dependents may also qualify if they are Fry Scholars.

The Yellow Ribbon Program provides you with additional assistance when your cost of tuition and fees exceeds the annual cap set by the VA. After the annual cap is reached, South University covers half of the remaining cost for the fiscal year, with the VA matching the other half.

Military Tuition Grant at South University

South University offers a Military Tuition Grant for service members, veterans, and military dependents. Spouses and dependents who receive the Military Tuition Grant can see a 20% tuition reduction on our undergraduate programs. The grant also provides a 10% tuition reduction on all but two of our graduate programs. For full eligibility and grant details, please see the Memorandum of Understanding.

Military Dependent Scholarships from Private Organizations

To honor your family's sacrifices and service, many organizations offer military scholarships for dependents. Examples include:

3 Tips on Education Benefits for Military Families

1. Check your benefit eligibility early.

Some education benefits for military dependents require action while the service member is still on active duty, especially TEB.

2. Ask your admissions team and advisors for help.

At South University, we have staff members who specialize in supporting military students. Our team can help you stay on top of deadlines and paperwork. Whether you need academic advising, help navigating military dependent scholarships and benefits, or flexible learning options, we’re here to assist you.

3. Don’t overlook additional sources of aid.

Federal financial aid, including from the FAFSA, can be combined with most education benefits for military spouses and children. (Financial Aid is available for those who qualify.) Some states also have scholarships for dependents of military members.

Take the Next Step in Service to Your Goals

Learn more about the Military Benefits offered at South University, and request information to speak with our Admissions team!

*GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government Web site at benefits.va.gov.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.