Fry Scholarship: How Military Families Gain Full College Funding
What the Fry Scholarship Actually Covers
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, often shortened to the Fry Scholarship, is a direct extension of the Post‑9/11 GI Bill. It’s designed for the kids and widows or widowers of those who gave their lives while serving after September 11, 2001. Eligible beneficiaries receive up to 36 months of benefits charged at the 100% level, which translates to a hefty financial safety net for college expenses.
Tuition is the headline item. Public colleges must charge Fry recipients the in‑state rate, even if the student lives out of state, thanks to a 2017 policy tweak. For private schools or public institutions that charge out‑of‑state rates, the VA caps the annual tuition aid at $29,920.95 for the 2025‑2026 academic year. Beyond tuition, the scholarship throws in a monthly housing allowance, a stipend for textbooks and required supplies, and reimbursement for national exam fees. Some schools also get to cover tutorial services and licensing costs tied to the degree program.
- Full in‑state tuition at public schools
- Private‑school cap of $29,920.95 per year
- Housing allowance based on location
- Books, supplies, and exam fee reimbursements
- Optional tutorial and certification fees
Who Qualifies and How Long They Have
Eligibility hinges on a clear set of criteria. The deceased must have died on or after 9/11 while on active federal duty, or as a Selected Reserve member either in the line of duty or from a service‑connected disability. A notable exclusion: Air National Guard members serving only under State Active Duty do not qualify.
Children become eligible on their 18th birthday and must use the benefits before turning 33, giving them a 15‑year window. Surviving spouses generally have 15 years from the date of death, though a special waiver extends that deadline to Jan 1 2021 for spouses of service members who died between 9/11/2001 and 12/31/2005.
If the total cost of a degree outstrips the capped amount, students can look to the Yellow Ribbon Program. Participating schools voluntarily add funds that match a portion of the VA contribution, effectively bridging the gap for costly private‑college tuition.
Applying is straightforward: call the VA’s education hotline at 1‑888‑442‑4551 or visit the official VA education benefits website. The process mirrors that of the standard Post‑9/11 GI Bill, meaning most veterans’ families are already familiar with the paperwork.
The Fry Scholarship stands as a concrete reminder that the nation strives to honor the ultimate sacrifice by ensuring surviving families can pursue higher education without the burden of crippling debt.