Money to attend college was granted to those brave men and women who took time out of their lives to serve the country keeping us safe. It was discovered that many men and women who worked in the military did not have the financial means to get a college degree and while they are military trained when they became civilians they no longer had the opportunity that they did while enlisted. Many people stayed in the military making it their life’s work but others wanted to live a civilian life having abundance in the things that mattered for them and their families.

The government decided that it was only fair to help those who had served in the military when they became civilians to return to college and get a degree in whatever studies they desired. While the men and women served the nation often they left behind a spouse and children who wanted the opportunity to go to college. The military now provides the same opportunities for the families of those who served in the military. The military educational awards differ by the branch of service that you serve and it is rewarded in accordance:

Army Awards

  • Spouse Education
  • Assistance Program
  • Offers up to $350/term for school

Navy Awards

  • Spouse Tuition Aid Program
  • Offers up to $1500/ year for undergraduate studies
  • Offers up to $1750 for graduate studies
  • Available for part and full-time students

Air Force Awards

  • General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
  • Offers up to $2,000/year for higher education
  • Available for spouses and children of active and deceased air force personnel
  • Award is need based using tuition cost and income as determining factors

Marines Awards

  • Enlisted Commissioning Program
  • Marine Enlisted Commission Education Program
  • Medical Enlisted Commission
  • If accepted to any of the above a marine can receive up to $2000/year during active duty.

Coast Guard Awards

  • Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Program
  • Offers up to $150/year for college
  • Includes the enlisted individual and any family members.
  • Can only be used for (housing, tests, supplies, books and etc.) but not toward tuition

National Guard Awards

  • Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program
  • Offers up to $1000/year for college
  • Includes undergraduate and graduate school
  • Award is limited to members of the Alabama National Guard

Illinois National Guard Grant Program

  • Offers between $1300 to $1700 / year for college
  • Includes undergraduate and graduate school
  • Award is limited to members of Illinois National Guard

This article is based on the fundamental methods of getting grant money from those who serve in the military. We hope this has been a help to anyone who plans on joining the service.