Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for the children and surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001 — tuition, housing, and books, all covered.
The Fry Scholarship provides the full Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit to the children and surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. It is the most generous education benefit available to surviving families.
Unlike DEA (Chapter 35), which pays a flat monthly stipend, the Fry Scholarship works exactly like the Post-9/11 GI Bill: tuition is paid directly to the school, a monthly housing allowance is paid to the student, and a books-and-supplies stipend is included. At a public school, it can cover everything.
This benefit exists because the country decided that if a service member gave their life, their family should never have to worry about paying for education. It is not charity — it is a promise.
What This Benefit Is
The full Post-9/11 GI Bill — for survivors
The Fry Scholarship pays 100% of in-state tuition and fees at public schools, or up to $29,920.95 per year at private or foreign institutions (2025–2026 cap). It also pays a monthly housing allowance at the E-5 BAH rate for the school's zip code, plus up to $1,000 per year for books and supplies.
Up to 36 months of benefits
Each eligible dependent receives up to 36 months of full-time benefits. If a dependent also qualifies for DEA (Chapter 35), they can receive a combined maximum of 81 months between the two programs, though benefits from one program will reduce the other.
Surviving spouses keep eligibility after remarriage
Effective January 2, 2025, a surviving spouse does not lose Fry Scholarship eligibility upon remarriage. This reverses the old rule that stripped the benefit from spouses who found new partners — a rule that penalized healing.
Who Qualifies
Children and surviving spouses of an active-duty service member who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
The death must have occurred while the service member was on active duty — not after separation.
Children can use the benefit beginning at age 18 or upon completing high school, whichever comes first.
There is no upper age limit for children to begin using the benefit (the old age-33 cutoff was eliminated).
Surviving spouses now retain eligibility after remarriage (effective January 2, 2025).
A surviving spouse has 15 years from the date of the service member's death to use the benefit.
What It Covers
Full in-state public tuition and fees
Paid directly to the school — 100% of the cost of attending a public college or university at the in-state rate.
Up to $29,920.95/yr at private schools
At private or foreign institutions, the VA pays up to the annual cap. Yellow Ribbon schools may cover the remaining balance.
Monthly housing allowance
The E-5 with-dependents BAH rate for the school's zip code — tax-free income to cover rent while the student is enrolled more than half-time.
Books & supplies
Up to $1,000 per year for textbooks, course materials, and supplies — paid as a lump sum at the start of each term.
Yellow Ribbon eligible
The Fry Scholarship qualifies for the Yellow Ribbon Program, meaning expensive private schools can become free if they participate.
How to Apply
Confirm eligibility
The dependent must be the child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Contact 1-888-442-4551 or visit VA.gov to verify.
Apply with VA Form 22-5490
The dependent applies online at VA.gov. The form asks for information about the deceased service member and the school the dependent plans to attend.
Receive your Certificate of Eligibility
The VA processes the application and issues a COE, typically within 30 days, confirming the dependent's entitlement.
Enroll and give the COE to your school
The school's certifying official submits enrollment verification. The VA pays tuition to the school and the housing allowance directly to the student.
For women veterans
If you are a Gold Star spouse or the daughter of a fallen service member, this benefit is yours by right. If you also qualify for DEA (Chapter 35), a free representative can compare the two and show you which one puts more money in your pocket — the Fry Scholarship is almost always the better deal because it pays tuition directly plus a housing allowance, while DEA pays only a flat stipend.
Mistakes That Cost Families the Most
Choosing DEA over the Fry Scholarship without comparing values — Fry is typically worth significantly more because it pays tuition separately and includes a housing allowance.
Not knowing about the remarriage rule change — surviving spouses no longer lose Fry eligibility upon remarriage as of January 2, 2025.
Assuming there is an age limit for children — the old age-33 cutoff has been eliminated.
Not applying for CHAMPVA at the same time — if the service member's death was service-connected, dependents may also qualify for free health coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fry Scholarship better than DEA?
In most cases, yes. The Fry Scholarship pays tuition to the school plus a monthly housing allowance — at many schools this totals significantly more than DEA's flat $1,574 per month. A representative can compare the exact dollar value for your child's specific school.
Can my child receive both Fry and DEA at the same time?
No — a student can only use one per enrollment period. However, they may be able to use up to 81 months combined between both programs over their lifetime.
I remarried — am I still eligible?
Yes. As of January 2, 2025, remarriage no longer disqualifies a surviving spouse from the Fry Scholarship.
What if the death was not in combat?
The death must have occurred in the line of duty while the service member was on active duty. It does not have to be a combat death — training accidents, non-combat incidents, and duty-related medical events all qualify.
Fry Scholarship — Official VA Links
Everything is explained on this page. These official links take you straight to the source.
Education Benefits Hotline
1-888-442-4551Monday–Friday 8am–7pm ET — Fry Scholarship eligibility and enrollment
Think this applies to your claim?
We focus on veterans the VA has already denied or under-rated. We do not take brand-new (initial) claims, and we do not take every case.
Guidance from a VA-accredited claims agent (#45147). Any figures are estimates that depend on your situation and the VA's decision — not legal or medical advice, and not the VA.