Education Benefits
Military dependents—including spouses and children of active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard/Reserve members, and deceased or disabled veterans—may qualify for federal, state, institutional, or private education benefits. This page explains common programs, how to get started, and where to find support..
Who Are Military Dependents?
Military dependents are family members who may qualify for certain education benefits, financial assistance, or military-connected resources based on their relationship to a service member or veteran.
- Spouses of active-duty service members, veterans, or qualifying disabled or deceased service members
- Children of active-duty service members or veterans
- Dependents of National Guard or Reserve members
- Survivors of service members who died in the line of duty or from service-connected causes
- Dependents using education benefits transferred from a parent or spouse
Eligibility reminder: Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements. Being considered a military dependent does not automatically guarantee eligibility for a particular benefit or program.
Federal Education Benefits
Federal aid and VA education benefits available to military dependents.
Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) is a federal form that determines your eligibility and the amount of financial aid you would receive. This comes in the forms of loans, scholarships, and work-study funds.
Dependents may be able to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits if a qualifying service member transferred unused benefits to them through the Department of Defense.
- May help pay tuition and fees
- May provide a housing allowance and book/supply stipend, depending on eligibility
- Transfer must generally be approved while the service member is still serving
- Dependents usually apply through the VA after the transfer is approved
This benefit supports certain spouses and children of veterans or service members who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected conditions, died while on active duty, died from a service-connected disability, or meet other qualifying criteria.
- Often called Chapter 35 or DEA
- Available to eligible spouses and children
- Provides monthly education payments directly to the student
- Can be used for degree programs, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and other approved training
The Fry Scholarship may be available to children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, or members of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability.
- Similar in many ways to Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Can cover tuition and fees up to applicable limits
- May include housing and book stipends
- Spouses and children may have different eligibility windows
State of Michigan Benefits
Michigan-specific aid, grants, and tuition programs for military-connected families.
CSS is an online application platform where college and scholarship programs award non-federal aid to applicants.
The U-M CSS Code is 1839.
May provide assistance to eligible children of certain Michigan veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled as a result of military service.
The Go Blue Guarantee is the school’s guarantee to cover all school tuition if the student meets certain criteria — such as eligibility for in-state tuition, having family income under $125,000, and more. See the full list of criteria and more information below.
Military-connected students may be eligible for the list of Michigan scholarships, and if they graduated from a high school in Michigan, may be eligible for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship.
University of Michigan Benefits
Residency, financial aid, and scholarship resources specific to U-M.
Military-connected students and dependents may qualify for resident/in-state tuition under certain circumstances. Eligibility depends on factors such as military status, benefit type, residence, and institutional policy. Students should contact the residency classification office or registrar before assuming a tuition rate.
The University of Michigan’s Financial Aid department site contains information covering how to apply for financial aid, the state tuition assistance program, and contact information.
General information for undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Once admitted, finish creating your profile and apply to all the scholarships you’re eligible for.
Contact your academic unit’s financial aid office for scholarships specific to that unit.
Transferring from another school? This may provide assistance in the form of scholarships for certain transfer students, such as the Michigan Community College Scholarships or a Child Care Subsidy Program for students coming in with a dependent, young child.
For more scholarship listings, this resource contains additional information and potential scholarships tailored toward veterans and students in the military.