Educational Resources: Possible Hidden Gold

The fact is many veterans are usually eligible for state veteran educational assistance programs in addition to federal and private grants, loans, and scholarships.

State Veterans Programs

Many states offer special education benefits to military servicemembers, veterans, and their family members. Depending on your state residency, or home of record, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates, tuition assistance, reduced fees, grants, scholarships and tuition waivers. For example military veterans from Illinois may qualify for the Veteran Grant Program, which pays tuition and certain fees at all Illinois state-supported colleges, universities and community colleges for Illinois residents. In addition Illinois offers several grants and scholarships to assist veterans who otherwise may not qualify for the IVG.

Another example of a state veteran education program is the Texas tuition waiver for veterans otherwise known as the "Hazlewood Act." This program entitles Texan veterans to a waiver of tuition and some fees at state-supported colleges and universities. This benefit is also available to children of Texas servicemen and women who died or were killed in military service, and to children of Texas military personnel who are missing in action or prisoners of war.

Note: All but 3 states - Michigan, South Dakota, and Vermont - offer non-resident military servicemembers and their families tuition at the resident rate. This means that as long as you are stationed in that state you will not have to pay the higher non-resident tuition rate at state operated schools.

Visit the State Veteran Education Benefits Directory to learn more about the programs your state offers.

Federal Student Aid

The Federal Government offers several Financial Student Aid Programs. These programs offer you low interest loans and grants (free money). Federal Student Aid is designed to assist you in meeting the cost of tuition, books, fees, and living expenses while you go to school. That means that once the school has taken its share, the remaining loan or grant balance goes to you.

Check out the Federal Student Aid Fact Sheet to learn more about your Federal Student Aid benefits.

Private Grants and Scholarships

Many private organizations, military associations, and schools offer grants, tuition waivers, and scholarships to military service members, veterans and their families. However these resources can often be hard to find. Fortunately the Military.com Scholarship Finder provides a list of military scholarships in one searchable, online database, with detailed descriptions, eligibility criteria, application deadlines and contact information.

In addition, many "Military Friendly" schools offer discounts and scholarships for servicemembers and veterans. Visit the Military.com School Finder to find the school that best fits your needs.