Memebers of the armed services perform a valuable and brave service to the countries that they call home and when they return from their service and come back home access to education is one of the rewards they have at their disposal. There are a variety of grant programs out there to help veterans make the transition back to civilian life and to help them get a head start on the careers they want and deserve.

Veterans of all branches of the military are eligible for grants through a variety of major state and federal programs. Some do require that educational funds be claimed within a certain amount of time from when the veteran has left service, so in many cases going back to school sooner rather than later can be to the student’s advantage. Children and spouses of veterans may also be eligible for grant funding through private and public programs.

The biggest grant programs for veterans are offered through the federal government but many states have created their own programs that offer veterans educational funding. Veterans can check with the states they call home to find grants that can help them and their families reduce their educational expenses. Those who have been awarded for their service with a variety of medals can also be eligible for special grant programs. These award those who showed bravery or who were injured in the line of duty.

Spouses and children of veterans can also receive some assistance for college. There are several state based programs as well as those that provide for children of veterans who were POWs or who were disabled during their service. This can help reduce the burden of college tuition on a veteran’s whole family and make higher education accessible to everyone.

Veteran College Grants

• AMVETS Scholarship Program: $3,000 to one veteran, guardsman or reservist for undergraduate education.
• Michigan Veterans Trust Fund: $2,800 awarded each year to varied number of undergraduate students who are children of Michigan veterans.
• Tuition Assistance for Children of POW/MIAs: $500 awarded each year to undergraduate students who are children of POW/MIA veteran enrolled in a NJ college.
• Illinois Veteran Grant: Grants cover tuition at select public Illinois schools for veterans in any branch of service.
• Combat Veterans Tuition Grant: Up to $7,000 to students who are veterans and who have enrolled with D’Youville College.