How Military Families Can Afford College Without Going Into Debt
- Annette Harris
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
The cost of college continues to rise, and military families often feel caught between their service sacrifices and the financial pressure of higher education. But the truth is: military-connected students have access to powerful funding options. With the right strategy, you can afford a quality education for your child without falling into debt.
Grants and Scholarships for Children of Disabled Veterans
Many states provide scholarship programs specifically designed for the children of veterans. For instance, Florida offers the CSDDV Scholarship, which waives tuition and fees for the dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. On the federal level, the Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) Program offers up to 45 months of education benefits.
In addition to these programs, my daughter has received a $5,000 scholarship from the Folds of Honor and a $2,000 scholarship from the Disabled American Veterans to help fund her college education.
Additional scholarship opportunities include:
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) scholarships
ThanksUSA Scholarships
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Understand Your Eligibility: 100% Disabled Veterans Have More OptionsÂ
Families of veterans rated 100% disabled may qualify for expanded benefits, including full tuition coverage and living stipends under Chapter 35 and the Fry Scholarship. Check your eligibility through the VA website or speak with a certified Veterans Service Officer (VSO).
Use Grants and Need-Based AidÂ
Complete the FAFSA every year to access federal grants like the Pell Grant. Your family’s income—including VA disability payments—can affect your eligibility. Pair this with state-based aid and institutional need-based scholarships from colleges.
Supplement With Budgeting StrategiesÂ
Even with generous scholarships, you’ll likely face costs for housing, books, or travel. Start planning by:
Creating a line-item budget for each academic year
Setting up a 529 Plan or using an ESA (Education Savings Account)
Teaching your student to track spending and manage money
This is where financial coaching is critical. At Harris Financial Coaching, we walk families through tuition planning, budgeting, and education-related debt prevention.
Proven Ways Military Families Pay for College Without Loans
Many families tend to rely on loans without fully considering their options. Before borrowing, take a moment to explore these alternatives:
Attend a community college for the first two years.
Look for tuition reciprocity programs that exist across state lines.
Encourage your student to find part-time work with employers who are military-friendly.
In addition, my daughter receives a $2,000 scholarship annually from my employer, as long as she maintains a 3.0 GPA. This financial support can significantly lessen her tuition costs.
If loans are still necessary, prioritize federal loans over private lenders. Additionally, work with a financial coach to develop a clear repayment strategy before taking on any debt.
Apply Early and Stay OrganizedÂ
Deadlines matter. Create a scholarship calendar with application dates, requirements, and essay prompts. Many military scholarships are underutilized due to low application rates.
Your service has earned your family more than gratitude—it has earned access. Don’t leave money on the table. Download our free scholarship Planning Checklist to stay ahead of deadlines and start strong.
Book a session with Harris Financial Coaching today to build your education funding plan and avoid student loan debt.