It’s one of the most powerful education benefits VA offers—and one of the least talked about.
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship gives full tuition, housing, and textbook support to eligible children or surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
It mirrors the Post-9/11 GI Bill in value, but it’s awarded to survivors—not the service member themselves.
Who qualifies?
- Children of an eligible service member who are unmarried and under age 33 (or who turned 18 after January 1, 2013)
- Surviving spouses (no time limit to use, unless they remarry)
What does it cover?
- Full tuition and fees for in-state public schools
- A monthly housing allowance
- Up to $1,000/year for books and supplies
And unlike some benefits, it can be used at universities, trade schools, and even some online programs.
Many families don’t know this program exists—until it’s too late. That’s why spreading the word matters.
If your family has experienced a line-of-duty loss, the Fry Scholarship might change the entire outlook for your education and future.
Ask a VSO about it. Or visit VA.gov and search “Fry Scholarship.”
Opportunity like this shouldn’t go unnoticed.
