If you're a military or veteran family, two Department of Veterans Affairs programs can help pay for an athlete's college: the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), which a service member can transfer to a spouse or child, and the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35, also called DEA). They work differently and have different eligibility, so it's worth knowing which one applies to your family before you count on it.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33), transferred to a dependent
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is earned by the service member for qualifying active-duty service after September 10, 2001. A service member who meets the requirements can transfer unused entitlement to a spouse or child — but the election to transfer generally has to be made while still serving, and usually carries an added service commitment. Once transferred and the dependent is eligible to use it, the benefit can cover tuition and fees paid to the school, a monthly housing allowance, and a books-and-supplies stipend. Children typically must use transferred benefits before age 26.
Chapter 35 — Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)
Chapter 35 is a separate program for the children and spouses of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition, or who died in service or as a result of a service-connected condition. Rather than paying tuition directly to the school, DEA generally pays the student a monthly stipend they put toward education costs. Eligibility windows apply — for children, usually a span between roughly ages 18 and 26 — and recent law has changed some of those windows, so the current rules matter.
Don't overlook the Fry Scholarship
If a service member died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, their children and surviving spouse may qualify for the Fry Scholarship, which provides Post-9/11 GI Bill-level benefits. Families in this situation sometimes have a choice between the Fry Scholarship and Chapter 35, and the better option depends on the specifics — a good reason to talk to someone before deciding.
What to do next
- Confirm exactly which program your family qualifies for at VA.gov — eligibility, amounts, and age windows change.
- Talk to a Veterans Service Officer (VSO); their help is free and they do this every day.
- Ask the prospective college's VA certifying official how the school handles your benefit.
- Apply early — benefits don't start until they're approved and certified.
- Coordinate VA benefits with any athletic or academic aid through the school's financial aid office.
One caution: this is an orientation, not benefits advice, and the figures, age limits, and rules above change over time. Before you build a plan around any of it, confirm the current details directly with the VA or a VSO for your specific situation.
Frequently asked
Can a parent transfer the Post-9/11 GI Bill to their child?
Yes, if the service member meets the requirements and elects the transfer — generally while still serving. Once approved and the child is eligible, they can use the benefit for college, typically before age 26. Confirm current rules at VA.gov.
What's the difference between the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Chapter 35?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is a benefit the service member earns and can transfer to a dependent. Chapter 35 (DEA) is for dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service or who died from service, and it generally pays the student a monthly stipend rather than tuition directly.
Do VA education benefits affect athletic scholarships or financial aid?
They can interact, so coordinate them. Work with the college's financial aid office and its VA certifying official so your VA benefit, any athletic money, and academic or need-based aid are stacked correctly.