Education Benefits for Military Spouses

How Military Spouses and Dependents Can Go to College Affordably

Summary

• Bellevue University offers flexible, online programs tailored for military spouses and dependents with exclusive military spouse benefits such as military-preferred pricing on tuition, and scholarships to make education more affordable.
• Veteran Administration education benefits can be transferred from service members to spouses, with specific eligibility requirements.
• Bellevue University provides career-relevant degrees, accelerated programs and personalized support from military advisors and the Military Veteran Services Center to help military families succeed.

As a military spouse or immediate family member, you're always adapting and overcoming, whether it's frequent moves or deployments. And when it comes to educational goals, going to college might feel like a big step—especially with the demands of military life. But here's the good news: You've got options, and Bellevue University is here to help you take full advantage of them.

Whether you're just beginning your educational journey or picking up where you left off, we'll walk you through what you need to know about available education benefits, how to take full advantage of them, and why Bellevue University can be the perfect partner for your academic journey.

Understanding Your Education Benefits

Bellevue University is dedicated to helping military families maximize their educational benefits. Here are some of the opportunities available:

1. Veteran Administration Benefits (Transfer of Benefits)

If you're planning to use Veteran (VA) education benefits that your spouse or parent has earned, there are a few key eligibility factors to keep in mind:

• Maximizing your military benefits: Bellevue University is a proud Yellow Ribbon Program participant and offers generous scholarships for military students. Our dedicated military advisors will help you maximize your Veteran benefits, we offer Military Preferred Pricing* for undergraduate degrees, and other financial assistance.
• Service Member's Eligibility: The service member must have served at least six years on active duty and agree to serve at least four more years. In some cases, they may be able to transfer unused benefits to their spouse or dependents.
• Spouse & Dependent Eligibility: Spouses can use the transferred benefits immediately, while children must wait until the service member has completed 10 years of service.
• Time Limit: In general, spouses have up to 15 years after the service member's separation to use the transferred benefits, while children typically need to use the benefits before turning age 26.

2. Scholarships for Military Spouses and Dependents

Many scholarships are specifically designed for military families, offering financial support that doesn't need to be paid back. To qualify, eligibility requirements can include:

• Service Member's Status: Some scholarships are available for dependents of active-duty service members, while others may focus on those whose spouse or parent is a veteran, has been disabled, or was killed in action.
• Academic Merit or Financial Need: Eligibility can also depend on your academic achievements, financial need, or your intended field of study.
• A Wounded Warriors Scholarship is available from Bellevue University to any serviceperson awarded a Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered during any conflict.

3. Military Preferred Tuition Rates at Bellevue University

At Bellevue University, we offer a Military Preferred tuition rate to help make your education journey more affordable.

If you or your spouse is an active duty service member (including Guard and Reserves), you can access all bachelor's degrees and undergraduate certificate programs at just $250 per credit hour. That's a significant financial benefit that allows you to pursue your degree without breaking the bank.

• Service Member's Status: You must be an active duty service member, including Guard and Reserves.
• Eligibility: This rate is available to active-duty service members and military spouses, but dependents are not eligible for this specific benefit. However, there are other financial aid opportunities for dependents.

Why Bellevue University is a Smart Choice for Military Spouses

At Bellevue University, we understand the challenges military families face. Here's why we're a great fit:

1. Flexible Online Programs

We know military life is anything but predictable, which is why Bellevue University is committed to offering flexible learning options that fit into your life. With dozens of fully online programs, you can study on your schedule, wherever you are in the world. "If you have a decent internet connection, you can go to school," explains Matthew Ritter, Relationship Manager within the Government Military Affairs Team at Bellevue.

If you ever need additional support due to a deployment or other military obligations, our instructors are flexible and willing to work with you to adjust deadlines and keep you on track. As JR Richardson, Director of the Military & Veteran Services Center puts it, "We have military and veteran personnel in all of our departments who serve our military students."

2. Accelerated Learning Options

Bellevue University offers accelerated cohort programs that allow you to earn your degree faster. These programs are designed for busy adults, so you can achieve your academic goals without sacrificing family or work commitments.

3. Career-Relevant Degrees

We offer degrees in high-demand fields that can help you enter or advance in your career. From business administration and healthcare to information technology and cybersecurity, Bellevue University's programs are designed to prepare you for success in today's job market.

4. Support Every Step of the Way

Going to school is a big decision, but at Bellevue University, you won't be going it alone. From the moment you decide to pursue your education, we're here to help you navigate every step of the process. You'll have a dedicated Student Coach throughout your degree journey to guide you—whether it's understanding your benefits, choosing the right program, or balancing your studies with the demands of military life.

5. Military Veteran Services Center

At Bellevue University, our Military Veteran Services Center is dedicated to supporting both military students and their families. Whether you're looking for friendly support, career counseling or just a space to connect with others in the military community, the center is there for you. You'll have access to a variety of resources, including:

• Academic Support: We offer tutoring services, writing assistance, and study resources to help you stay on track with your coursework.
• Career Services: Whether you're preparing for a new career or advancing in your current field, our career counselors will assist you with resume building, job search strategies, and interview preparation.
• Peer Support: Sometimes, the best advice comes from those who've been in your shoes. As Russ Lane, Vice President for Government Military Affairs, puts it, "There's a sense of community that we have in the Military Veteran Services Center. They know they have a place to go where they can be served, heard, and supported."

MVSC Services are located in the Administrative Services Building on the Bellevue Campus and are available online worldwide.

Why Going Back to College Is Worth It

Pursuing higher education can be a transformative step for you and your family. It's more than just earning a degree—it's about career growth, financial stability, and personal development. Here's why it's worth it:

• Career Growth: A degree can open doors to promotions and new career opportunities.
• Personal Fulfillment: College helps you discover new passions, build confidence, and grow your skills.
• Financial Benefits: With military education benefits, you may pay little to nothing out of pocket. And you may have higher earning potential with a degree in the long run.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Bellevue is Here for You.

At Bellevue University, we make higher education accessible for military spouses and dependents with flexible programs and personalized support. Let us help you achieve your educational and career goals.

If you're ready to take the next step or want to learn more about how Bellevue University can help, request more information from one of our military advisors today. We're here to answer your questions, guide you through the process, and help you find the right program for your goals.

* Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.

Other resources we think you may like.