Understand military tuition assistance^{footnote 1}

What you need to know about military tuition assistance

This assistance, set up to thank service members for their vital work, can help pay up to 100 percent of tuition expenses. Both the federal government and non-profit organizations offer programs for military personnel to get free money for college (grants and scholarships). They also offer tuition assistance programs which can include low-interest rate federal and private loans to help pay for college.

The official GI Bill website is an excellent resource for information on careers in the military, finding an eligible school, and applying for all the federal military benefits you deserve.

Each branch of the military has its own criteria to qualify for military tuition assistance, so be sure to research your opportunities.

Military education benefits

The United States Armed Forces offer several programs to provide you with money for school, special benefits, and extended repayment options. Whether you've already served or plan to serve, here's a sample of what's available.

Military scholarships

There are a number of private scholarships available for military personnel. Scholarship Search is a free tool that lets you search through more than 6 million scholarships worth up to $30 billion to find the ones that are right for you.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

If your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant.

Services for active military loan holders

As a member of the military on active duty, you may qualify for special benefits and repayment options for your federal and private student loans.