5 Ways to Go to College Without Debt for Military Spouses

There's value in staying ahead of the curve in today’s evolving job market. Whether it's mastering the intricacies of healthcare or exploring the bountiful opportunities in IT, investing in education is key to unlocking new opportunities. For military spouses, pursuing education enables personal growth while securing stable careers that can withstand the challenges of military life.

Thanks to the support of state initiatives, military programs and NGOs, you are uniquely positioned to access various college opportunities without the debt. Below are further details on five ways to get debt-free college for military spouses.

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts)

MyCAA provides military spouses with financial assistance to train in in-demand careers. Eligible spouses can receive up to $2,000 annually for three years, totaling $4,000. The funds can cover professional licenses, credentials and courses leading to an associate degree.

You can start the application process by creating an account on the MyCAA website. After account approval, look for a school that aligns with your interests and offers MyCAA-approved programs like MedCerts. This institution has education consultants to assist you in finalizing the application process and enrolling smoothly.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill comprises various programs that support veterans and active-duty personnel pursuing education. The financial benefits can cover tuition, fees, housing allowances and study supplies, depending on the program. Examples of GI Bill programs include:

• The Post-9/11 GI Bill

• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty

• Reserve and Guard Montgomery GI Bill

Notably, the Post-9/11 GI Bill offers a transferability feature, allowing service members to allocate unused education benefits to dependents. Military spouses can explore diverse academic opportunities through the GI Bill transferability, from traditional college degrees to online training programs.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

FAFSA is a gateway to federal student aid, providing different amounts of financial aid, depending on the applicant. To apply, you need to gather your financial documents and complete the online application form. Results often come out within a week via email.

Despite its simplicity and cost-free nature, many eligible students overlook FAFSA, leading to missed opportunities for significant financial aid. Given the substantial financial assistance available, military spouses can benefit from the program.

Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program

The DEA is a program under the Department of Veterans Affairs. It extends educational benefits to eligible dependents of veterans or service members who are deceased, disabled, missing or held captive. Qualified individuals can receive monthly payments to support various educational pursuits, such as:

• Career-training certificates

• College degrees

• On-the-job training

• Apprenticeships

Additionally, beneficiaries may access educational and career counseling services.

Non-Governmental Organizations

Numerous institutions offer various scholarships, grants and educational programs tailored to military families. Examples include the National Military Family Association (NMFA) and the Army Scholarship Foundation.

NMFA provides one-time scholarships to assist spouses with educational or employment-related expenses. The awarded amount ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on individual needs.

Meanwhile, the Army Scholarship Foundation offers annual financial scholarships for undergraduate studies in accredited technical institutions. It benefits children of current or former U.S. Army members and military spouses in college studies.

Choose MedCerts

Capitalizing on the different opportunities allows you to access additional funding avenues and realize your learning aspirations without financial strain. These resources empower spouses to pursue higher education and cultivate lucrative skills.

Consider enrolling in MedCerts’ healthcare and IT training programs to leverage these financial resources. Our MYCAA-approved programs are availed through a flexible learning model, allowing you to balance your education with your unique military lifestyle. Contact us today to pursue your academic and professional aspirations with confidence.