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The Veterans Administration exists to serve United States Armed Forces Servicemembers in receiving the various benefits and opportunities promised to them in return for their service in defense of the country. These benefits are numerous, ranging from healthcare for both Veterans and their families to educational opportunities. Most are familiar with the GI Bill for military personnel, but many do not know that several educational benefits exist for the spouses and dependents of Servicemembers as well. One of these opportunities is the Fry Scholarship. Read on to learn more about this program and its benefits to military families.
What is the Fry Scholarship?
The Fry Scholarship is an educational benefit offered to the children and spouses of Armed Forces Servicemembers who died on or after September 11, 2001. If you meet the eligibility requirements for the scholarship, you can get tuition assistance for your education, housing assistance, and a stipend for books and supplies. Officially known as the Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry Scholarship, it was named to honor the memory of Fry, who was killed in the line of duty in 2006.
Who is John David Fry?
The Fry Scholarship was established to honor the memories of John David Fry of Lorena, Texas. With only a week remaining on his Iraq deployment in 2006, Fry, 28, damaged his hand and was given the choice of returning home early with a Bronze Star. Fry declined the offer and volunteered to make one final run to disarm bombs. An improvised explosive device in Anbar province, Iraq, killed Fry on March 8, 2006, leaving behind his widow and three small children. The Fry Scholarship was established to honor his decision to remain on duty in service to the country. The John David Fry Scholarship not only honors Fry but also all those who died in the line of duty to the Armed Forces following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Fry Scholarship Benefits
The various Fry Scholarship benefits available depend on your own status in relation to the deceased Servicemember and the education you are pursuing. In general, the Fry Scholarship provides the following:
- Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school by all public school in-state students. Tuition and fees for private or international institutions are set at $28,937.09 for the academic year 2024-2025.
- A monthly housing allowance.
- A stipend for books and supplies.
If you’re eligible for both the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and the Fry Scholarship, you must make an irrevocable choice between the two programs when you apply. Once you submit your choice, it cannot be changed. If you have questions about your educational institution’s approval for the Fry Scholarship or want to compare your GI Bill benefits, you should check the GI Bill Comparison Tool before applying.
Fry Scholarship Eligibility
If you believe you meet the Fry Scholarship eligibility requirements, you can claim the scholarship benefits when you apply to your educational institution. The Fry Scholarship eligibility requirements apply to the children and spouses of Veterans who meet the following criteria:
Death in the line of duty: The Veteran must have died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001. This includes active duty, reservists performing training, or those with a service-connected disability.
Service member: The Veteran must have been serving in one of the armed forces.
Age: Children can be married or over 23 years old and still be eligible.
Age of eligibility: The age at which a child can receive the scholarship depends on when they turned 18 or graduated from high school:
Before January 1, 2013: The child can receive the scholarship until they are 33 years old.
After January 1, 2013: The child can receive the scholarship at any age over 18 or after they graduate, whichever comes first.
Fry Scholarship Requirements
Be sure you are familiar with the Fry Scholarship requirements before applying and have all the correct documentation on hand when you start the application process. You must provide proof of your relationship to the deceased Servicemember, a state-issued photo ID, your Servicemember’s service record, and information about the educational institution you wish to attend. You must also complete the necessary application and turn it in to your local VA office.
The scholarship can be used in conjunction with the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program only under certain circumstances:
- Parent died before August 1, 2011: You can use both programs, but you can only use one at a time. You can use both programs for up to 81 months of full-time training.
- Parent died on or after August 1, 2011: You can use both programs if you qualify for DEA under a different event. You can use both programs, but you can only use one at a time. You can use both programs for up to 48 months of full-time training.
- Child whose parent died before August 1, 2011: You can use both programs, but you can only use one at a time.
- Surviving spouses must choose which benefit they want to receive. If you choose to accept DEA, you will be ineligible for future Fry Scholarships. Alternatively, if you choose to receive the Fry Scholarship, you will be ineligible for future DEA awards.
There are also rules for qualifying children who are currently or have previously served in the Armed Forces. To earn Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, you must waive one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Montgomery GI Bill: Active Duty
- Montgomery GI Bill: Selected Reserve
- Your discharge character does not affect your eligibility.
- If you are on active duty, you will get benefits at the active duty rate.
- You may be eligible for up to 36 months of benefits under the Fry Scholarship Program and an additional 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for your own service.
- You may also obtain additional entitlement if another parent transfers it to you.
How to Apply for the John David Fry Scholarship
Before applying for the John David Fry Scholarship, be sure to have all of your documentation on hand, with digital copies if you plan to apply online. You will also need to fill out the Fry Scholarship application. Follow these steps:
- Gather the following information:
– Social Security number
– Bank account direct deposit information
– Education and military history
– Name of school you want to attend or are attending - Apply online at va.gov.
- If you apply by mail, complete and mail the Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits (VA Form 22-5490). If you’ve chosen a school, mail to the regional processing office in the state where your school is located. If you haven’t chosen a school, mail to the regional processing office in the state where you live.
- The VA will process your application and mail you a certificate of eligibility (COE).
- Upload a copy of your COE to the VA Benefits Office at your school.
- Register for classes.
- Complete the VA Enrollment Certification Form every semester you want to use benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can.
Yes, you can.
No, they are not, and you do not need to report them on your tax return.
Yes, there can be a time limit for using Fry Scholarship benefits, depending on when the Servicemember died: if your Veteran died before January 1, 2013, you must use the Fry Scholarship before turning 33 years old; however, if your Veteran died on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limit to use the benefit.
No, the benefits cannot be transferred to another family member.
If you withdraw from a course while using your benefits, you may be required to pay back a portion of the benefits you received for that course, depending on the reason for withdrawal, unless you can demonstrate “mitigating circumstances” like a medical issue or family emergency that caused you to drop the class.
You may qualify for up to 36 months of benefits under the Fry Scholarship Program and another 36 months of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for your own service.
Yes, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship can cover study abroad at a foreign institution of higher learning.
