Military Spouse & College: How to Get A No-Cost Education

Ever dreamed of going back to school but worried about the expense? Well, here's some good news for you, especially if you're a military spouse: you can pursue your education without breaking the bank, thanks to a variety of financial aid specifically designed for military families.

Being a spouse to a service member comes with its own set of challenges, but it also comes with unique opportunities. Frequent relocations and the need to adapt to new environments can be tough, but they can also open up new chances to grow. If you're looking for possibilities for personal and career growth perfectly tailored to your needs, check out these organizations offering free college for military spouses.

Military Supported Scholarships

The armed forces are a key source of learning financial aid for military service members, veterans and their families. Some of these initiatives include:

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA)

The Department of Defense offers MyCAA to spouses of military members in the wage groups E-1 to E-5, O-1 to O-2 and W-1 to W-2. With an award potential of up to $4,000 over two years, eligible spouses should consider applying for this financial aid. Once approved, you can pay for numerous online programs, exams and licensure.

MedCerts, an online training school, has been an approved vendor for MyCAA since 2009, offering healthcare and IT certification programs. These flexible, short-term programs are perfect for military spouses looking for a trusted, military-friendly option.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The U.S. Department of Education facilitates FAFSA, a versatile program open to all U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Award amounts vary based on financial need and the application process involves completing an online application form to determine the Student Aid Index.

FAFSA has a 19-month application window that begins on the 1st of October preceding the award year and concludes on the 30th of June of the award year. Military spouses can apply for grants, loans or work-studies.

Scholarships from Charitable Organizations

Numerous non-profit organizations and civic groups offer support to military spouses pursuing higher education. These charitable groups include:

ThanksUSA Scholarship

Scholarships by ThanksUSA are a gesture of gratitude for the enduring sacrifices that military spouses and dependents make to support service members. Eligibility criteria includes U.S. citizenship, successful completion of high school and enrollment in a certified institution. You may receive up to $3,000 in funding after submitting an online application to the ThanksUSA website.

National Military Family Association (NMFA)

The NMFA is another resolute supporter of military families through its various scholarship programs. With over 8,260 military spouses receiving financial aid since 2004, NMFA offers ongoing financial support to military spouses seeking career or educational advancement. The scholarship helps military spouses pursue science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) degrees. The funds can also help pay for professional certification, entrepreneurial expenses and re-licensure.

Choose MedCerts: A Gateway to No-Cost College for Military Spouses

Gaining new skills and education is a must for anyone looking to stay competitive in today's job market. The scholarships by the DoD and charitable organizations help support the educational aspirations of military spouses.

MedCerts offers numerous MyCAA-approved programs and a unique, self-paced online learning environment that caters to your circumstances. Take the next step in your educational journey and connect with a MyCAA Education Consultant today for further help and insight into free college for military spouses.