This program gives assistance to spouses of active-duty members and widows of members that died while on active duty. The award total is $2,500 per academic year.
This program gives spouses of active-duty members ranked E1 through E5, W1 through W2 and O1 through O2 a yearly scholarship of $2,000, with a cap of $4,000. You must be able finish your degree within three years of the first course start date. Additionally, this scholarship covers only Associate's degrees, licensures and certification, according to the MyCAA website.
This program is designed for all branches of the service, retirees and surviving spouses. The only requirement to apply for scholarships is your military ID. Money granted can be used for: GED or ESL studies, vocational training, professional certification, post-secondary or graduate studies. Classes can be in-person or online, full-time or part-time, according to the National Military Family Association website.
Thanks USA provides scholarships for spouses of active-duty military members. Awards are $3,000 or the amount of your program costs, whichever is less, according to the Thanks USA website. Awards are not renewable, but you can reapply each year. To apply, you must be a high school graduate with a GPA no lower than 2.0. Military spouses may use this award for certificates or licensure even if an undergraduate degree has been completed already.
The VA offers educational assistance and grants for spouses of injured or deceased military members. You may qualify for up to 45 months of education benefits and assistance. According to the VA website, these benefits can be used for certificate and degree programs, on-the-job training and apprenticeships.
The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill will allow an active-duty service member to transfer his education benefits to a spouse after he has served six years on active duty, and shown that he is willing to serve another four years.
The Army Emergency Relief agency was set up to help army families meet financial challenges. Small grants may be available to those who qualify. There are grants for spouses of active-duty members who are serving stateside and overseas.
The Air Force offers two grant programs. The first is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program. This is a competitive and need-based program that grants up to $2,000. This money can only be used for books, fees, tuition and other direct education costs.
The second Air Force grant program is the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program. Grants may be given up to $1,500 per academic school year. This program is reserved for the spouses of active-duty military members who are joining their spouse for an overseas tour of duty.
The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society offers two assistance programs. The Travers Program is for spouses of active-duty sailors and marines who demonstrate financial need. You must reside in the 50 states. The Navy Marine Corps Relief Society also offers the Spouse Tuition Assistance Program for spouses overseas, with a maximum award amount of $1,500 per academic year.
Certain colleges do offer benefits for military spouses. However, you will need to check with your college to see what is available.