Understanding Your Financial Aid Options
As a military spouse, you know the importance of balancing your finances while furthering your education. Here are some of the best tuition assistance options to consider.
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
Administered through the Department of Defense, the MyCAA scholarship gives you up to $4,000 in financial assistance disbursed over two years ($2,000 per fiscal year). This financial aid for military spouses is tax-free, so you can use the full value toward your education.
To be eligible for MyCAA, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be legally married to an active-duty service member or a member of the National Guard or Reserve on Title 10 orders
- Your military spouse must have a pay grade between E-1 and E-9, W-1 and W-3 or O-1 and O-3
- Have a high school diploma or GED
This scholarship covers tuition costs but cannot be used for books, living expenses or supplies like computer equipment. To get started, create a MyCAA account, speak with a Department of Defense career coach through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) center and choose from the list of MyCAA-approved training programs and institutions. You’ll receive the funds once the SECO team approves your Education and Training Plan.
GI Bill® Reimbursement
Another strong financial option is the GI Bill® reimbursement. Administered through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill supports your education by reimbursing you for the cost of your program.
This program works differently from MyCAA funding because it can cover all costs, including tuition, housing, books and licensing fees, up to a maximum amount and you submit your payment for reimbursement after program completion. Your active-duty spouse can transfer all or part of their education benefits (up to 36 months) to you as long as they meet a few requirements:
- They’ve completed at least six years of military service.
- They agree to serve four more years.
- You’re enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
If you’re unsure if you qualify or how much funding you have remaining, contact the VA, and you can review your GI Bill statement benefits. Next, enroll in your chosen program and complete all coursework and certifications. Once you’ve earned your credentials, access your VA account and apply for education benefits by submitting all required documents.
Choosing the Right Program Matters
Many schools work with the Department of Defense and the VA for military grants and reimbursements, but not all learning centers are the same. Your education matters. As a milspouse, you want quick, portable and high-quality training that works across many regions, with certifications that boost your employability. You also want ongoing student support, flexible schedules and the option to stack certifications for continued growth.
MedCerts is one of the best options for flexible, career-ready training that’s built for military spouses. As a military spouse-friendly school, MedCerts is MyCAA-approved and GI Bill® authorized, offering plenty of programs that give you access to in-demand careers you can take with you wherever you go.
MedCerts GI Bill® authorized programs:
- 11 healthcare programs
- 9 IT and cybersecurity programs
MedCerts MyCAA-approved programs:
- 24 healthcare programs
- 8 IT and cybersecurity programs
Find Your Milspouse Career at MedCerts
MedCerts specializes in flexible healthcare and IT training that can move with you. With scholarships and federal funding available, there are low- to no-cost ways to earn your credentials as a military spouse and enjoy the benefits of portable, in-demand careers wherever your family is stationed.
