How to Access Veteran and Military Spouse Education Benefits

Military spouse education benefits can help you reach your school and career goals. Designed with the flexibility military families need, these resources make college and training more affordable through tuition help, scholarships, and grants. Understanding your options empowers you to confidently chart your educational journey.

Watch: How to Access Veteran and Military Spouse Education Benefits

Education benefits eligibility

Knowing if you qualify helps you plan for your education benefits and pick the best options for you. In many cases, you must be the spouse of an active-duty, Guard, reserve, or retired service member. You may also need a high school diploma or GED.

Some programs have extra requirements, including your military sponsor’s status or pay grade, the type of degree or credential you want to earn, or your chosen career field.

Visit each program’s official site and review requirements and application directions carefully before you apply.

Types of military spouse education benefits

SpouseWorks (formerly known as MySECO) is the Department of Defense’s primary career development and employment initiative for military spouses.

Offered through Military OneSource, SpouseWorks programs help spouses find education and job opportunities. These include:

• SpouseWorks Scholarship: Formerly known as MyCAA, this workforce development program provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing or maintaining a license, certification, or associate's degree required for employment.
• Military Spouse Employer Partnership: This targeted recruitment and employment solution connects military spouses with employers who’ve committed to recruit, hire, promote, and retain military spouses.
• SpouseWorks Fellowship: Formerly the Career Accelerator, this initiative allows military spouses to gain hands-on experience with 12-week paid fellowships.

Additional educational and career benefits available to military families and spouses through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and others include:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer of benefits: When meeting select requirements, a military member may be able to transfer their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent family member if they’re on active duty or in the Selected Reserve.
• Military Spouse Preference Program: This initiative is designed to lessen career disruptions for military spouses when relocating due to a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move. It provides qualified spouses with priority consideration for civilian job vacancies.
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: The program provides monthly financial support to eligible spouses and children of veterans or service members who died, were captured or missing, or have a permanent and total service-connected disability. Eligible dependents can use these benefits for up to 36 months to help cover costs for college degree programs, vocational training, apprenticeships, and licensing certifications.
• Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship: This scholarship provides up to 36 months of education benefits — including tuition, a housing allowance, and money for books and supplies — to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
• Yellow Ribbon Program: This program helps eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries at the 100% benefit level cover higher tuition and fee costs that exceed standard public school caps, such as private, out-of-state, foreign, or graduate school expenses. Under this program, participating schools voluntarily contribute a designated funding amount through grants or scholarships, which the VA then matches dollar-for-dollar.

State-provided military education benefits for spouses

State military benefits help families pay for college while they live in that state, giving spouses the chance to reach their school and career goals with less stress.

In several states, educational benefits are extended to the spouses of deceased, missing in action (MIA), prisoners of war (POW), and disabled veterans. These benefits may cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. These benefits often come as scholarships and grants from state education departments or veterans affairs programs.

• For example, the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) provides the College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit. This benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus for eligible dependents of veterans.

In addition, this financial aid is often available in the spouse's home state, the state where the service member is stationed, or the service member's official home state. Be sure to research non-resident related veteran education benefits to utilize this option.

It’s important to note, the extent of tuition assistance can vary widely. Some states offer up to 100% assistance, while others provide targeted support for the spouses of disabled veterans, or those killed in the line of duty. Military spouses should check with their state's veterans affairs office or education department to understand the specific benefits available and the eligibility criteria.

Benefits of online degree programs for military spouses

Online degree programs offer numerous benefits for military spouses. These flexible programs let spouses study at their own pace to fit the demands of military life. This is especially important for spouses who care for their families, manage their homes, and support a serving partner. Studying online makes it easier to fit schoolwork into busy schedules without giving up other priorities. At UMass Global, both our instructor-led and self-paced MyPath degree programs are built for busy military spouses.

Additionally, online programs often have a wide range of degree options, ensuring that spouses can pursue their desired field of study. Whether they’re interested in business, health and behavioral sciences, education, or other fields, there are online degree programs available that cater to their interests and career goals.

This variety lets military spouses choose a program that fits their goals and interests, giving them the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their career. This is especially helpful when looking for jobs through the Military Spouse Employment Partnership.

Unlock your future with UMass Global

Many programs help military spouses lower costs and make college more affordable. To get the most out of your benefits, UMass Global is the right choice.

The school received a 2026-2027 Gold Military Friendly® School Top Ten ranking, and we’re a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant. We offer programs and tailored support that aligns with the unique needs of military families, and we also reduce application fees and tuition for military spouses and dependents. 

Request more information or apply today.