Apply for the Fry Scholarship
If your parent or spouse was an active-duty servicemember who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, you may qualify for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship.
These benefits, which include some components that aren't offered under other GI Bill programs, are available to service members who meet certain criteria.
You may be eligible for this program, which provides up to 36 months of educational benefits, if you have at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001. Find a summary of the program in the Department of Veterans Affairs' information pamphlet (PDF) or visit the VA website for detailed information.
Special features related to the Post-9/11 GI Bill® include the:
- Yellow Ribbon Program: Some universities, including Mason, make additional funds available to pay education costs without charging it to your GI Bill entitlement. This is meant to offset the cost of out-of-state tuition.
- Transfer of Entitlement Option: This provision allows active-duty personnel to transfer all or some unused benefits to their spouse or dependent children.
- Monthly Housing Allowance: You may be eligible for a monthly housing rate. The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is generally the same as the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. This rate is variable and dependent on factors such as the zip code of the location where you take the majority of your classes, your rate of pursuit (must be greater than part-time) and your percentage of eligibility for the entitlement.
If you find that the Post 9/11 program best meets your needs, you must select this option before you receive any benefits. Once you've chosen this program, you can't change your mind, so it's best to be aware of all your options. The Office of Military Services has counselors who can help you compare the choices and make the best decision for you and your family.
Types of Training and Assistance
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® can be used for:
- Undergraduate and graduate degrees.
- Correspondence training.
- Cooperative training.
- Entrepreneurship training.
- Independent and distance learning.
- Licensing and certification reimbursement.
- Vocational/technical training.
- National testing.
- On-the-job training
- Tuition Assistance top-up.
- Tutorial assistance.
To find out more or if you need help, contact OMS at 703-993-1316.
Susan Coller Monarez, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Analysis in the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Policy, speaks at Mason's Arlington Campus. She was participating in the 10th Homeland Defense and Security Education Summit, part of the Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security University and Agency Partnership Initiative. Federal agencies frequently choose Mason venues to hold events due to the university's proximity to Washington, D.C.