Five Military Education Benefits

There’s no doubt about the challenges of having a loved one in the military: absences, lack of control, etc.  But along with the challenges come certain advantages. Let’s take a look at a few:

1. Tuition Assistance - Tuition Assistance insures up to a complete 100% of tuition and fees. Eligible members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines can use this assistance to cover tuition, lab fees, enrollment fees, special fees, and computer fees. The limit for  most military members is $250 per semester credit hour, $166 per quarter credit hour, and $4500 per fiscal credit hour.  For Coast Guard members,  $4000 is their benchmark for fiscal year fees while the rest remains the same.  Additionally, the MyCAA program for Tuition Assistance offers up to $4,000 (over 2 years) of Financial Assistance for military spouses.

2. The GI Bill – The GI Bill refers to the Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits available to members of Active Duty, Selected Reserve, and National Guard Armed Forces and their families. The program benefits eligible military officers with tuition and fees, living pay, and book stipend paid directly to public schools. For others attending private or foreign schools, tuition and fees are covered at the national maximum rate. The bill is easily transferable to spouse and other dependents.

3. Yellow Ribbon Program - If you are attending a private or a public institution of higher learning as either nonresident or out-of-state student, you may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program as well as be eligible for additional educational costs that are not covered by VA. While, the exceeding amounts differ for nonresident and out-of-state students, degree-granting institutions, like MyCAA Career Works, may make additional funds for education without any additional charges to GI Bill claim.

4. Loan Repayment Program – Military education benefits include fractional or full repayment of the loans through services. The list of repayable loans includes the Army Student, Navy Education, Marines Education, and Air Force Programs. There are also specified loan repayment programs for health professional officers. Additionally, several Financial Student Aid Programs offer exceedingly low loan interests and grants.

5. Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA) - Up to $1,021 per month is covered for up to 45 months for full-time institutional education and training of eligible dependents of certain veterans. Program’s assistance may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. Spouses of eligible veterans may take a correspondence course. MyCAA provides up to $4,000 for eligible military spouses.

With the benefits at your disposal, it can be difficult to determine eligibility and which program grants what benefits. With the help of MyCAA, you can easily help your spouse to pursue a license, certification, or an Associate's Degree in a portable career field and employment, empowering them to not be dependent on anyone even in your absence. Their helpline is round-the-clock ready for assistance.