The Fry Scholarship is a federal benefit program in the United States created to honor the sacrifices of military families. It provides financial aid to the children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Named after Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry, who died in Iraq in 2006, this scholarship allows eligible family members to pursue their education without the financial burden, offering benefits similar to those available under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Country of Origin
The Fry Scholarship is a program exclusive to the United States, provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It’s designed to assist the dependents of U.S. military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.
What is the Fry Scholarship?
The Fry Scholarship offers financial assistance for tuition, books, and housing to the surviving children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty. These benefits can be used for college degrees, vocational training, and other educational programs. The scholarship helps ensure that military families can still afford a quality education despite their loss.
Scholarship Benefits
The Fry Scholarship provides several benefits, including:
- Full tuition coverage for in-state public institutions or partial coverage for private and out-of-state schools.
- A monthly housing allowance, similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s housing stipend, based on the location of the educational institution.
- An annual book and supply stipend of up to $1,000.
- Eligibility for up to 36 months of benefits, which can be used for undergraduate or graduate programs, vocational or technical schools, and more.
Fry Scholarship Amount
The exact amount varies based on the institution and the location. However, generally, the Fry Scholarship covers:
- Full in-state tuition and fees for public universities.
- Up to $26,381.37 per academic year for private or foreign schools as of the 2023-2024 academic year.
- A monthly housing stipend that averages around $1,300 to $2,700 depending on where the school is located.
- An annual book stipend of $1,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Fry Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be the child or spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
- If applying as a child, you must:
- Be under the age of 33.
- Be unmarried.
- Begin using the scholarship before turning 33.
- If applying as a spouse, there is no age restriction, and benefits last for 15 years after the service member’s death.
Fry Scholarship Requirements
- The applicant must be a child or spouse of an eligible service member.
- Children must use the benefit before they turn 33.
- Spouses must use the benefit within 15 years of their service member’s death.
- No remarriage clause applies to spouses—remarriage does not disqualify a spouse from using the scholarship.
Fry Scholarship Application
The application process is straightforward:
- Apply through the VA by submitting a form online or by mail.
- Complete the VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance).
- You can also apply in person at your nearest VA office for assistance.
Required Documents
- Proof of eligibility, such as the service member’s DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty).
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate, depending on whether the applicant is a child or spouse.
- Additional supporting documents if requested by the VA.
Language Requirements
There are no specific language requirements for the Fry Scholarship, as it is intended for U.S. citizens or residents. However, all applications and educational programs must be completed in English.
Fry Scholarship Deadline
The Fry Scholarship does not have a fixed annual deadline. However, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, especially before starting their educational program, to ensure benefits are processed in a timely manner.
Available Area of Field
The Fry Scholarship can be used for a wide range of educational programs, including:
- Undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Vocational or technical training.
- Certificate programs.
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships.
- Flight training (under certain conditions).
How to Apply?
To apply for the Fry Scholarship:
- Visit the official VA website for education benefits.
- Create an account or sign in to your existing VA account.
- Fill out VA Form 22-5490 online or download and submit the form by mail.
- Provide the necessary documentation to prove eligibility.
- Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that you can present to your educational institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use the Fry Scholarship for online courses?
Yes, the Fry Scholarship can be used for both online and in-person programs, provided the institution is accredited.
2. Does the Fry Scholarship cover housing expenses?
Yes, recipients receive a monthly housing allowance based on the cost of living where the educational institution is located.
3. Can I use the Fry Scholarship if I’ve already used another VA education benefit?
Yes, but you cannot use more than one VA education benefit program simultaneously. However, you may be eligible for a different VA benefit if you qualify for another.
4. Is there a deadline to use the Fry Scholarship?
Children must use the benefit before they turn 33, while spouses have 15 years from the date of the service member’s death.
Where to Apply?
You can apply for the Fry Scholarship directly on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website at VA Fry Scholarship Application.
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