Things I Wish I Knew About Military Spouse Education Benefits
When I first became a military spouse, I assumed going back to school would have to wait until life slowed down.
Spoiler alert, it never really does.
Between deployments, temporary duty assignments, and frequent PCS moves, it can feel nearly impossible to commit to earning a degree or learning a new skill. Looking back, one of the biggest surprises was realizing just how many military spouse education benefits are available. I only wish someone had told me about them sooner.
Today, earning a degree or professional certification is more flexible than ever. Many colleges offer fully online programs, making it possible to continue your education no matter where military orders take your family.
One of the best places to start is the My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program, which provides financial assistance for eligible military spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in high-demand career fields. Learn more at:
Another excellent resource is Military OneSource, which offers education counseling, career planning, scholarship information, and employment resources specifically designed for military families:
If you're looking at colleges, several universities are especially military-friendly and offer flexible online programs, including:
University of Maryland Global Campus – https://www.umgc.edu/
Arizona State University Online – https://asuonline.asu.edu/
Western Governors University – https://www.wgu.edu/
Liberty University Online – https://www.liberty.edu/online/
The best part?
You don't have to complete your degree all at once.
Even taking one class each semester moves you closer to your goals, and those credits continue to build over time.
For me, education isn't just about earning a degree. It's about creating opportunities that move with you. Whether you dream of becoming a nurse, teacher, accountant, entrepreneur, designer, or something entirely different, every class builds skills that belong to you, not your current duty station.
Military life asks us to adapt constantly. Investing in yourself is one of the few things that follows you everywhere.
If you're preparing for an upcoming PCS, don't forget to explore the PCS Resources, Neighborhood Guides, and Military Housing Guides here on Coast2Coast Connect. Our goal is to help military families feel confident, not just about finding their next home, but about building a life they love wherever military service takes them.
Whether you're moving to San Diego, Hampton Roads, or somewhere new, you'll find relocation resources, local community information, school guides, and trusted military-friendly real estate professionals ready to help make your transition easier.
Helpful Resources
MyCAA Scholarship Programhttps://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/
Military OneSource Education & Employmenthttps://www.militaryonesource.mil/education-employment/
University of Maryland Global Campushttps://www.umgc.edu/
Arizona State University Onlinehttps://asuonline.asu.edu/
Western Governors Universityhttps://www.wgu.edu/
Military life isn't just about finding your next home, it's about building a life you love wherever military orders take you.
From Cabrie
After 17 years as a military spouse, I've learned that a PCS is about so much more than buying or renting a home.
It's about leaving behind friends, finding new routines, helping your family adjust, and figuring out where to grocery shop, grab coffee, meet people, and feel like you belong all over again.
I've experienced the excitement, the uncertainty, and the overwhelm that can come with military moves, and I know how much easier the journey becomes when you have someone who's been there before.
That's exactly why I created Coast2Coast Connect.
Our mission isn't just to help military families buy or sell a home, t's to help you feel at home before you even arrive.
Whether you're looking for neighborhood guides, military installation information, school resources, relocation checklists, local favorites, or trusted professionals, we've built Coast2Coast Connect to be the resource we wish we'd had during our own PCS journeys.
If you're moving to San Diego, I'd love to help you navigate the process. Whether you're still waiting on orders, comparing neighborhoods, or already planning your move, I'm always happy to answer questions and share honest local insight. My goal is never to pressure you—, t's simply to help make your transition as smooth, informed, and stress-free as possible.
Because at the end of the day, military families deserve more than someone to help them find a house.
They deserve someone who understands the journey.
Cabrie Fradella,
REALTOR®Coldwell Banker West
(619) 817-6969
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