Fry Scholarship Program Guide

What is the Fry Scholarship?

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, commonly known as the Fry Scholarship, provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. This scholarship honors the sacrifice of fallen service members by ensuring their families have access to quality education opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible if you are:

• The child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty while serving on active duty on or after September 11, 2001
• The child or surviving spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty while not on active duty on or after September 11, 2001
• The child or surviving spouse of a service member who died from a service-connected disability on or after September 11, 2001

Specific Eligibility by Relationship

For Children

Age and Time Limits:

• Must be under age 33 to use benefits
• Can begin using benefits at age 18 or upon high school graduation
• Have 15 years from their 18th birthday to use benefits
• May receive up to 36 months of benefits
• Can pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees

For Surviving Spouses

Time Limits and Restrictions:

• Have 15 years from the service member's death to use benefits
• May receive up to 36 months of benefits
• Can pursue any approved program of education
• Benefits end if remarried before age 57
• Can use benefits for undergraduate, graduate, or vocational training

2025 Benefit Coverage

Fry Scholarship recipients receive the same benefits as Post-9/11 GI Bill beneficiaries, including full tuition coverage, housing allowance, and books stipend.

Tuition and Fees Coverage

Public Schools

Full in-state tuition and fees

No annual limit

Private Schools

Up to $29,920.95 annually

2025-2026 academic year

Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)

2025 MHA Rates:

• In-person attendance: Based on school's ZIP code BAH rate (E-5 with dependents)
• Foreign schools: $2,338.00 per month
• Online-only programs: Maximum $1,169.00 per month
• Half-time or less: No housing allowance

Books and Supplies Stipend

Recipients receive up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies, paid proportionally based on enrollment status (e.g., $500 for half-time enrollment).

Special Provisions for Fry Scholarship

Unique Benefits:

• No service requirement: Recipients don't need to have served in the military
• Extended time limits: 15 years to use benefits (longer than most programs)
• Full benefit level: Always receive 100% of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
• Yellow Ribbon eligibility: Can participate in Yellow Ribbon Program at private schools
• Tutorial assistance: Up to $100/month for extra academic help

Application Process

Gather Required Documents

Service member's death certificate, military service records, marriage certificate (for spouses), birth certificate (for children)

Submit Application

Complete VA Form 22-5490 online, by mail, or in person

Choose Your School

Select a VA-approved educational institution

Maintain Enrollment

Submit enrollment verification each semester

Important Considerations

Key Points to Remember:

• Benefits cannot be transferred to other family members
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Can be used for undergraduate, graduate, or vocational programs
• May be combined with other financial aid (scholarships, grants)
• Benefits end if surviving spouse remarries before age 57
• Children must use benefits before age 33

Maximizing Your Fry Scholarship

Start planning early - understand your time limits
Research schools thoroughly, including Yellow Ribbon participation
Consider the location's housing allowance when choosing schools
Take advantage of tutorial assistance if needed
Explore work-study opportunities for additional income
Use career counseling services to align education with career goals
Keep detailed records of all educational expenses
Consider pursuing higher degrees to maximize the 36-month benefit

Additional Support Resources

Available Support Services:

• Educational and career counseling
• Tutorial assistance for challenging subjects
• Work-study programs at participating schools
• Vocational rehabilitation services if needed
• Mental health counseling and support services
• Financial counseling and planning assistance