As a military spouse,  pursuing higher education can feel overwhelming with frequent relocations, credit transfer issues and deployments. But don’t let these challenges hold you back. The following military spouse education benefits can help transform your educational dreams into reality.  

1. Scholarships

The MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) is a government-funded scholarship program that provides eligible military spouses with up to $2,000 per year over two fiscal years (a total of up to $4,000) in financial assistance for education and training to start a portable career in some of the most sought-after industries.

Other scholarship opportunities for military spouses include:

• ThanksUSA Scholarship: The ThanksUSA scholarship is a needs-based program available to military spouses enrolled part-time in undergraduate, licensing or certification programs.
• Fry Scholarship: The Fry Scholarship offers Post-9/11 GI benefits to eligible surviving spouses. It provides up to 36 months of benefits at the 100% level.

2. Grants

Each branch of the military has its own assistance programs that provide military spouse college benefits. Here are a few of the ones available:

• General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant: This grant awards between $500 and $4,000 to spouses of active-duty Air Force service members.
• Army Emergency Relief Spouse Education Assistance Program: The AER is a needs-based program that helps military spouses obtain their first undergraduate degree.
• Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program: This program offers grants and interest-free loans of up to $3,000 per academic year.

3. Federal Funding

GI Bill programs typically provide financial assistance to active-duty service members and veterans pursuing education. However, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is transferrable. In other words, your spouse can transfer any unused education benefits to you, allowing you to take advantage of them, too. 

You can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. While it doesn’t provide specific military spouse education benefits, it can help you find additional financial aid opportunities. 

4. NGOs

Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offer scholarships, grants and other programs specifically for military spouses. The National Military Family Association (NMFA), for instance, provides one-time scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,500 to assist with educational expenses. Similarly, the Army Scholarship Foundation (ASF) offers annual scholarships for spouses of active-duty, active-duty Reserve and active-duty National Guard members of the U.S. Army.  

5. Specialized Career Training and Support

Specialized career training and support are vital for success. MedCerts is an approved MyCAA school and provides access to a variety of services to help you achieve your educational goals, including program selection, study resources, exam prep, career search assistance and much more. 

6. State-Specific Benefits

You may also qualify for state-specific military spouse education benefits. These benefits, often in the form of scholarships or grants, can help cover tuition, fees and other expenses. Exact benefits vary, so be sure to check with your state’s veterans’ affairs office or education department for more details. 

With so many education benefits available, you can take the next step in your career with financial support tailored to military spouses.

Take the Next Step in Your Education Journey

Are you ready to take advantage of your military spouse education benefits and get the training you need to advance your career? Consider enrolling in MedCerts. Our MyCAA-approved programs are available entirely online, allowing you to tailor your education to fit your unique military spouse lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more!