Each branch of the United States military provides some type of educational assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans to dependents of active-duty, retired and deceased service members. Eligible students can pursue these resources, in addition to the traditional avenues, to fulfill their education and career goals.

Veterans Administration Benefits:

• The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, who died while on active-duty or as a result of a service-related condition, or have been forcibly detained or declared missing in action. Dependents may receive up to 36 months of education benefits that can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/DEA.asp

• The Fry Scholarship provides benefits to the dependents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related disability after September 10, 2001. Eligible dependents attending school may can receive benefit payments for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and monthly housing for up to 36 months. https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Fry_scholarship.asp

Note: Applicants can use the same qualifying event for more than one benefit if they are a dependent of a service member that died in the line of duty prior to August 1, 2011.

• The MG James Ursano Scholarship program assists children of Army soldiers in obtaining their first undergraduate degree. The award amounts vary each year based on the number of applicants, total approved scholarship budget, and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA. https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/scholarships/child/

• The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program awards grants ranging between $500 and $2,000 to eligible dependents of active duty Air Force or Space Force members, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force or Space Force members. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited college, university or vocational/trade school approved by the U.S. Department of Education. https://afas.org/haparnoldgrant/
• The AFAS also offers a no-interest Supplemental Education Loan to help with college expenses. Dependents who have already successfully completed both parts of the Arnold Education Grant application may apply. The same eligibility criteria required for the Arnold Education Grant are required for the Supplemental Education Loan. https://www.afas.org/how-we-help/afas-supplemental-education-loan
• Each year the AFAS awards a minimum of 10 Merit Scholarships for incoming freshmen students joining the Air Force who demonstrate outstanding academic potential. Eligible applicants will be contacted directly by the AFAS with details on submitting end-of-year high school transcripts and an essay on a specified topic. https://www.afas.org/how-we-help/afas-merit-scholarship

• The Society's Education Assistance Program offers interest-free loans and scholarships to student dependents of active duty, retired, or deceased sailors and marines. The financial assistance can be used towards undergraduate education at an accredited two-or-four-year institution in the United States. http://www.nmcrs.org/pages/education-loans-and-scholarships

• The Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship is available to children of active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard members who are entering an accredited college or technical school or are full-time undergraduate studentd already enrolled in an accredited four-year undergraduate program or technical school. Successful applicants can receive awards ranging between $2,000 and $5,000. https://coastguardfoundation.org/scholarships/scholarships-for-coast-guard-children
• The Fallen Heroes Scholarship ensures that the dependents of deceased members receive a quality education. It covers 100 percent of higher education expenses. https://coastguardfoundation.org/scholarships/scholarships-for-children-of-fallen-coast-guard-heroes