5 Tips for Military Spouses Going Back to School

Many military education programs help active-duty service members and veterans return to school to finish their degrees, but some programs also assist military spouses. Military spouses can use military education benefits for college to access financial aid, career advisors, and more.

Scholarships and grants for military spouses are offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Education. These programs provide financial assistance, but several other tips and strategies can make it easier for military spouses to enroll in college.

Tips for Military Spouses Returning to School

Military spouses returning to school should take advantage of the benefit programs available to them; however, finances are only one factor to consider when returning to school. You'll also need to evaluate programs to see how well they fit your educational goals.

1. Utilize Military Spouse Educational Benefits

The Department of Defense offers programs specifically for family members and dependents of service members and veterans. These programs often fall under the umbrella of Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO).

Spouses can use multiple financial assistance programs for community colleges, universities, and qualified vocational programs. Some states also offer free tuition for veteran spouses.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

Eligibility for a Military Spouse My Career Advancement Account Scholarship (MyCAA) depends on your spouse's rank and high school education. Applicants must have a high school diploma and their spouse must hold one of the following ranks:

• E1-E6 (enlisted)
• W1-W2 (warrant officer)
• O1-O3 (commissioned officer)

This program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis for 1,250 yearly applicants.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is one of two versions of the GI Bill benefits open to members of the armed forces. The GI Bill provides funding to a qualified service member, but the benefits can be transferred to a qualified dependent (i.e., child or spouse).

These benefits can't be used by both you and your military member spouse, so it's important to decide who will use these benefits before one of you applies to a higher education program.

Scholarships for Military Spouses

The MyCAA scholarship is just one of many scholarships available to military spouses. Submitting your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will help you determine your eligibility for various federal scholarships. You can also search for private scholarships offered to military spouses.

2. Choose the Right Program

Choosing a degree program isn't always straightforward, whether you're a military spouse or not. You'll need to consider several factors, including schedules, tuition costs, and career goals.

Online Degree Programs

Military spouses often don't have the flexibility that other students do. This can make attending an on-campus degree program more difficult. Military-friendly online schools allow students to earn the same degree as their on-campus counterparts but with the freedom of self-paced video lessons and coursework.

You'll still need to meet predetermined deadlines, but online courses provide flexible options to fit around work and family obligations.

Check Accreditation

Accreditation comes in two main forms: regional and national. Both forms are considered valid, but regional accreditation is typically considered a higher honor. Most military financial aid packages can only be applied at accredited universities and community colleges. You should confirm your potential school's accreditation before applying or accepting enrollment.

3. Leverage Military Support Resources

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a vast network of military support resources to make the connections between civilian and military life a little easier. Most of these programs are for active-duty members or veterans, though some opportunities are offered specifically for military family members.

Military Family Support Centers

Military family support centers are part of the larger network in place to support service members and their families. These centers provide resources for everything from financial planning to mental health support. .

One of the services offered is education and employment opportunities through SECO. Spouses can receive guidance in planning out their education and career pathways from advisors who understand the special challenges that come with being a military spouse.

Network with Other Military Spouses

The armed forces are full of families. Connect with other spouses who are looking to go back to school or who have already returned. Speaking with people who understand what you're going through is often the most beneficial form of networking.

4. Prepare for Relocations

Military life can be unstable due to base relocations. When choosing a degree program or higher education institution you need to plan around the possibility of relocating. Online programs are often the best choice due to their flexible nature. Additionally, online colleges usually don't differentiate between in-state and out-of-state tuition costs like on-campus programs.

5. Utilize Campus Resources

The military isn't the only source of support resources. Military spouses should look to their school's campus resources, including academic advisors, tutors, and study resources. These programs are available to all students, but they can benefit military spouses trying to coordinate their education around other obligations.

FAQS About Military Spouses Returning to School

Returning to school can be challenging for any student, especially military spouses. Even with resources from your school and the military, it's common to have questions.

Does the GI Bill Pay for Spouses in College?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be transferred to a spouse, provided the service member hasn't used any of their benefits first. Service members can only receive one GI Bill benefit package and can't switch. If your spouse chose the Montgomery GI Bill, you won't be able to transfer benefits.

Do Military Spouses Pay Out-of-State Tuition?

Out-of-state tuition rates are determined differently for each school. Some schools allow military members and spouses to qualify for in-state tuition rates, even if they don't live in-state. This isn't true of every school, though, so it's important to check your status before applying.

Can I Attend College for Free If My Spouse Is in the Military?

It is possible to attend college for free as a military spouse if you qualify for financial aid and use it properly. Most benefit programs have limits or offer monthly stipends. Finding programs that cost under the benefit package's maximum can result in a fully paid-off college degree.

What Is the Military Spouse Rule?

The military spouse rule gives them the right to be noncompetitively placed in competitive positions to help minimize any complications from relocation or reassignment. This doesn't guarantee that a spouse receives a position or hiring priority, but some organizations can use this program to provide opportunities to military spouses.