In August 2009, Congress passed the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), known as the Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA). The new law requires colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates to active duty service members, as well as their spouses and dependent children. Prior to passage of the new legislation, military children were required to prove residency for a specified period of time, usually one year, in order to qualify for the cheaper in-state tuition rate. The previous policy presented a challenge to military families, who are reassigned to a new station at least every two years. HEOA allows dependents of active duty service members to receive in-state tuition rates at colleges located in the service member's home state or state of current assignment as long as continuous enrollment is maintained.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers educational assistance through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill to eligible service members and their families. The amount of assistance, or entitlement, is determined by the number of years of military service up to a maximum of 36 months. A service member who qualifies for educational assistance and who has provided at least ten years of service may transfer any unused benefits to dependent children ages 18 to 26. A dependent child of a veteran who died after September 10, 2001, is entitled to the full 36 months of benefits under a special provision of the bill, known as the Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry Scholarship. Educational benefits can be used for tuition, books, housing or relocation, depending on the specific circumstances. If the college participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, additional assistance may be available for costs not covered by the entitlement.
A variety of scholarships are available specifically to dependents of military service members and veterans. Scholarships for Military Children is a program administered by the Fisher House Foundation and dependents may apply at the local commissary for a scholarship up to $1500. The Pat Tillman Foundation, created in honor of a soldier who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan, provides scholarships to eligible military dependents. Scholarships for unmarried dependents of service members who have been disabled or died while serving their country after September 11, 2001, are available through a program called Heroes' Legacy. Funding for these scholarships is provided by proceeds from President Barack Obama's book "Of Thee I Sing. A Letter to My Daughters." Applicants are required to maintain a minimum GPA and enroll full time to qualify for these scholarship opportunities.
In addition to in-state tuition rates and special scholarship opportunities, dependents of active duty service members or reservists may also take advantage of military discounts at participating schools. Colleges that specialize in distance learning, such as Parks and Brenau Universities, often offer a discounted tuition for military service members, spouses and dependents.