Seek out and apply for financial assistance
Seek out and apply for financial assistance
College is an investment that will reap high returns for your future. The cost of attending college can vary depending upon the institution. It is important that you understand your financial obligation and seek out options to help cover the cost. As military personnel or a veteran, you have many options available.
GI Bill Benefits
First, start with learning more about your GI Bill Benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs administers a variety of education benefit programs such as Post 9/11 GI Bill (including Transfer of Benefits), Montgomery GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment just to name a few. You will need to complete the application and start getting your benefits processed as soon as possible. To apply for GI Bill Benefits and learn more click here. http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application
Tuition Assistance Programs
Programs such as Reserve Education Assistance Program, Veterans Education Assistance Program, and even military spouse and family benefits are available too. For more information, check out all the military tuition assistance programs here http://www.military.com/education
Depending on what state you reside in, there may be tuition assistance, fee waivers, or fee reductions for veterans. A directory of state veteran’s benefits is available here http://www.military.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory
Federal Financial Aid
Federal financial aid is available to help students cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. As with anything, to start the process you must apply first. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, asks questions about a family’s income and assets to determine an Estimated Family Contribution, or EFC. Each college compares a family’s EFC with the total costs of attendance to determine the amount of your financial aid package.
Total Cost of Attendance – EFC = Financial Aid amount
When you complete the FAFSA they’ll review your file to determine a financial aid award package. In addition to federal and state grants, you may be eligible for other grants, campus employment or low-interest student loans. Remember, scholarships and grants are money that doesn’t have to be paid back! Regardless of your GI Bill benefits or income, you should apply for federal financial aid.
Also remember that refunds are available for called to active duty students.
Check out the College for All Texans site for more information.
Military Transfer Credits
Most universities use the American Council of Education (ACE) guide to research course credit and award recommended credit. Credit is generally awarded after enrollment at the university.
ACE has a transfer guide that you can download to help you understand this process. Information on how and where to order your military transcripts is also provided in this guide.
Check out ACENET for more information
Four Steps for filing your FAFSA
What will College Cost?
You can find a list of all the public universities in Texas and their average costs (depending on whether or not you live on campus) at the College for All Texans.
Some websites can help by giving you a Financial Aid Calculator (a prediction of what it might cost and how much aid you might receive).
Remember — the federal application for federal student aid (FAFSA) can cover tuition and living expenses.
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available to students, but they are first come first serve so start early! Contact your VA Advisor to ask about specific scholarships you might qualify for. There are also national scholarships available for you to apply for. Check out some of these links for more information:
Phi Theta Kappa offers transfer scholarships
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation also offers transfer scholarships
Texas Financial Aid Information Center
Have more questions? Want to talk to someone who knows? Try the Texas Financial Aid Information Center 1.888.311.8881. Hours: Monday – Thursday 7am – 6:50 pm and Friday 7am – 4:50 pm.
The Texas Veterans Commission is great resource for you to try too!