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At the very least children of military families should receive in-state tuition rates for the school they are attending, no matter what state they are from. I am from South Carolina and went to school in Georgia because my husband was stationed at Fort Stewart. Its not like I had the option to attend a school in my home state, we had to go where he was sent.

For my entire four years at Georgia Southern University I was able to obtain in-state rates because of my husbands status in the military. Also, because of our low-income status I was awarded federal grant money to cover tuition costs and books. I literally paid for nothing except parking during my entire four years at GSU! If it wasn't for that I would have had some hefty loan payments to deal with after college.

It would be a good idea to award discounts to children of military families in the form of special scholarships perhaps. Like scholarships however, I believe there should be some stipulations. The student should be required to maintain a grade point average that keeps them in "good standing," with the school. I think at most universities it's around 2.5 or something so that isn't too much to ask. Also, the award should be given in accordance to how many hours they are taking per semester. For instance if they are a part-time student only, then obviously the award shouldn't be as big.

I think it would also be a good idea to give these children discounts on their supplies. Sometimes course required books can but up to $100 for a new textbook a student will often need several books for just one course! It ads up quickly so that 10% or 15% discount that is offered to military at many retail stores, should also be available at a university bookstore. Or perhaps the student could be issued a voucher for a set amount at the university bookstore.

Soldiers are from my own experience underpaid and overworked. For the amount of hours they sometimes put in, in a day the compensation is absurd. Of course pay does increase when the soldier gets married or has children, but the amount is still woefully inadequate. Special perks that soldiers and their families receive such as free health, dental, special discount stores to buy groceries etc, literally help these people survive. I don't think it is unreasonable that they be given a little help with affording an education for their children.

Learn more about this author, Julie Bruce.
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