Introduction to the Fry Scholarship
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, commonly known as the Fry Scholarship, is one of the most valuable education benefits available to military survivors. Created to honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, the program helps eligible children and surviving spouses pursue higher education and career training.
If you’re considering college after the loss of a loved one in the line of duty, understanding your educational benefits is essential. This guide explains who qualifies for the Fry Scholarship, what it covers, how it interacts with other VA education benefits, and how to use it toward an online cybersecurity degree at EC-Council University (ECCU).
What Is the Fry Scholarship?
The Fry Scholarship provides education benefits to the children and spouses of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. The benefit operates under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) framework and generally provides up to 36 months of education benefits.
History and Legislative Background
The U.S. Congress established the Fry Scholarship in 2009 through the Supplemental Appropriations Act. Since then, lawmakers have expanded eligibility through several pieces of legislation:
- 2009: Initial creation of the Fry Scholarship
- 2015: Expanded eligibility to surviving spouses
- 2020: Removed certain age restrictions for some eligible children
- 2022: The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson PACT Act expanded access and restored eligibility for some surviving spouses affected by remarriage rules
What Does the Fry Scholarship Cover?
Eligible recipients may receive up to 36 months of benefits, including:
Tuition and Fees
- Full net tuition and mandatory fees at public, in-state institutions
- Up to $29,920.95 annually for private and foreign schools during the 2025–2026 academic year
Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
Students attending more than half-time may qualify for a monthly housing allowance as per the Department of Defense’s Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rate for an E-5 with dependents.
For online-only programs, the housing allowance is based on half the national average MHA rate.
Books and Supplies Stipend
Students may receive up to $1,000 per academic year to help cover the cost of books and supplies.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Students attending participating institutions may also qualify for additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program if tuition exceeds the annual Chapter 33 cap.
For more information, please visit the official VA website on Fry Scholarship coverage.
Who Is Eligible for Fry Scholarship Benefits?
Qualifying Relationships and Events
You may qualify if you are:
- The children of active-duty service members who lost their lives in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
- The surviving spouses of active-duty service members who lost their lives in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
The loss must have occurred while serving on active duty and must be classified as occurring in the line of duty.
Age and Timing Requirements for Children
Eligible children can generally begin using benefits:
- At age 18, or
- Upon high school graduation
Current rules allow many eligible children to use benefits until age 33. Legislative updates enacted in 2020 removed certain previous time limitations for some recipients.
Surviving Spouse Rules
Surviving spouses have different eligibility rules from children.
Under current law:
- Remarriage does not automatically eliminate eligibility in many cases.
- The PACT Act restored and expanded access for some surviving spouses whose benefits had previously expired because of remarriage.
Fry Scholarship vs. Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)
Many military survivors qualify for both the Fry Scholarship and DEA (Chapter 35), but you generally cannot use both benefits simultaneously.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Fry Scholarship | DEA (Chapter 35) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Coverage | Yes | No |
| Housing Allowance | Yes | No separate MHA |
| Book Stipend | Up to $1,000/year | Not included |
| Benefit Structure | Post-9/11 GI Bill® style | Monthly stipend |
| Maximum Benefit Period | Up to 36 months | Up to 36 months |
How Do You Choose?
The better option depends on your situation. Students attending higher-cost institutions often find the Fry Scholarship more valuable because it covers tuition, housing, and books. Students whose tuition is already fully covered by grants or scholarships may wish to compare total projected benefits before making a decision.
What About Transfer of Entitlement (TOE)?
The Fry Scholarship is separate from Transfer of Entitlement benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. Eligibility for one program does not automatically create eligibility for the other, so families should review their specific circumstances with the VA.
How to Apply for Fry Scholarship Benefits
Step 1: Complete the Application
Most Fry Scholarship applicants should submit VA Form 22-5490 (Dependents’ Application for VA Education Benefits) through the VA’s online education portal.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You may need documentation such as:
- DD Form 1300 (Report of Casualty)
- Death certificate
- Proof of relationship
- Additional VA-requested supporting records
Step 3: Submit and Await a Decision
Processing times vary, but applying several months before your intended start date can help prevent delays.
Step 4: Work with Your School Certifying Official (SCO)
Once approved, your school’s VA School Certifying Official submits enrollment information to the VA and helps ensure benefits are processed correctly.
Using Fry Scholarship Benefits at ECCU
How ECCU Processes VA Benefits
EC-Council University is a VA-approved institution and supports eligible military-affiliated students using GI Bill® education benefits. Whether you’re pursuing cybersecurity leadership, digital forensics, or AI security, ECCU’s team can help coordinate your VA benefits and enrollment process.
Here’s Retired Major Timothy Amerson explaining why ECCU is a great school for U.S. Military-affiliated individuals to pursue advanced cybersecurity education:
Programs Covered
Eligible students may use Fry Scholarship benefits toward a range of ECCU programs, including:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity
- Master’s degrees in Cybersecurity
- A Master’s degree in Computer Science
- Cybersecurity-Focused MBA degrees
- Graduate Certificate Programs
Consult with ECCU’s Veterans Advisor for personalized guidance on using your GI Bill® benefits:
Frequently Asked Questions About the Fry Scholarship
No. Fry Scholarship benefits cannot be transferred to another individual.
Students enrolled half-time or less are generally not eligible for the Monthly Housing Allowance.
Yes. Eligible students attending approved online programs may receive Fry Scholarship benefits, including online housing allowance payments when enrollment requirements are met.
No. Legislative changes, including provisions in the PACT Act, expanded eligibility and restored benefits for many surviving spouses who remarried.
