Education

Military Spouse Education Benefits: Your Complete Guide

Wings Ready Team
December 20, 2023
7 min read
Understanding Military Spouse Education Challenges

Military spouses face unique educational challenges including frequent moves, deployment separations, and limited local opportunities. However, numerous programs and benefits are specifically designed to support military spouse education and career development.

Common Challenges:

  • Frequent PCS moves disrupting education continuity
  • Limited childcare during study and class times
  • Spouse deployment affecting family responsibilities
  • Varying state licensing and certification requirements
  • Limited local educational institution options
Federal Education Benefits for Military Spouses

Transferred GI Bill Benefits:

  • Service member can transfer unused GI Bill benefits
  • Covers tuition, housing allowance, and book stipend
  • Must be transferred while service member is on active duty
  • Can be used immediately after transfer approval
  • 36 months of benefits available

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA):

  • For spouses of service members with service-connected disabilities
  • Monthly education benefit payment
  • 45 months of benefits available
  • Can be used for degree programs, certifications, and apprenticeships
  • Available to surviving spouses of deceased veterans
Military Spouse-Specific Scholarships and Programs

Major Scholarship Programs:

  • Military Spouse Education Partnership (MSEP): Reduced tuition at partner schools
  • Operation Homefront Scholarships: Need-based financial assistance
  • Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA): STEM field scholarships
  • Military Child Education Coalition: Various scholarship opportunities
  • Blue Star Families Scholarships: Multiple scholarship programs

MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts):

  • Up to $4,000 in financial assistance
  • For licenses, certifications, and associate degrees
  • Available to spouses of active duty service members (E1-E5, W1-W2, O1-O2)
  • Covers high-demand, portable career fields
  • Includes career coaching and counseling services
Online and Flexible Education Options

Military Spouse-Friendly Schools:

  • University of Maryland Global Campus: Extensive online programs
  • Southern New Hampshire University: Military spouse scholarships
  • Arizona State University Online: Flexible scheduling options
  • Penn State World Campus: Comprehensive online degrees
  • Colorado State University Global: Accelerated programs

Features to Look For:

  • Asynchronous online classes for flexibility
  • Military spouse support services
  • Credit for military experience and training
  • Accelerated degree programs
  • No residency requirements
  • 24/7 technical support
Career-Focused Education Programs

High-Demand, Portable Careers:

  • Healthcare: Nursing, medical coding, pharmacy technician
  • Information Technology: Cybersecurity, web development, data analysis
  • Business: Project management, human resources, accounting
  • Education: Teaching, educational administration, curriculum design
  • Mental Health: Counseling, social work, psychology

Certification Programs:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • CompTIA IT Certifications
  • Real Estate License
  • Personal Training Certification
  • Paralegal Certificate
Support Resources and Services

Military Family Support:

  • Military Family Life Counselors: Educational and career counseling
  • Chaplain Services: Personal and family support
  • Military OneSource: Free education counseling and resources
  • Base Education Centers: On-installation support and testing
  • Spouse Clubs: Networking and mentorship opportunities

Childcare and Family Support:

  • Child Development Centers on base
  • Family Readiness Group support networks
  • Respite care programs
  • Study groups and childcare co-ops
  • Online learning flexibility for family schedules
Getting Started: Your Education Action Plan
  1. Assess your career goals and interests
  2. Research portable career fields that align with your goals
  3. Explore available education benefits and funding options
  4. Connect with Military OneSource for education counseling
  5. Research military spouse-friendly educational institutions
  6. Apply for relevant scholarships and financial aid
  7. Consider MyCAA for certification and license programs
  8. Create a realistic timeline that accommodates military life
  9. Build a support network of other military spouses
  10. Start with one course or certification to build momentum