If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a service member or member of the Selected Reserve who died on or after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship).

Eligibility

One of these must be true of the servicemember or member of the Selected Reserve:

  • The servicemember died in the line of duty while serving on active duty, or died from a service-connected disability within 120 days of being discharged or released from active duty
  • The member of the Selected Reserve died in the line of duty other than active duty, or died from a service-connected disability

Eligibility for dependents:

  • At least 18 years old or graduated high school (whichever occurs first)
  • Can be married or unmarried

Eligibility for spouses:

  • Must have been married to the servicemember at the time of death. Being separated, but not officially divorced, does not disqualify you from being recognized as the surviving spouse.

What is covered under the Fry Scholarship?

The process of applying the Fry Scholarship to use at Appalachian and coverage of the Fry Scholarship are all the same as a typical Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) benefit. You will receive tuition and fees paid directly to the school, a monthly housing allowance and book stipend paid directly to you. Read more about the process, coverage, and payments under our Chapter 33 webpage.

Concurrent Benefits

Are you eligible for both the Fry Scholarship and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35)?

Stop and review your options before making a decision.

If you are eligible for both benefits, choosing Chapter 35 may permanently affect or eliminate your eligibility for the Fry Scholarship. Depending on your circumstances, electing Chapter 35 may be an irrevocable decision.

There are limited exceptions for certain individuals, including some children whose parent died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011.

Before applying for or electing Chapter 35 benefits:

  • Confirm whether you are eligible for both programs.
  • Understand the potential impact of selecting Chapter 35 on your Fry Scholarship eligibility.
  • Contact the VA to discuss your individual circumstances before making an election.

When in doubt, do not make a benefit election until you understand the consequences.

Contact Appalachian State University's Student Veteran Services if you have questions about using VA education benefits.

How does the Fry Scholarship work with Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC)?

If you’re a dependent child and receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), you’ll need to give up those payments when you start to use the Fry Scholarship.

If you’re a surviving spouse receiving DIC, you can still get those payments while using the Fry Scholarship.

How do I apply for the Fry Scholarship?

You can use this direct link to apply for the Fry Scholarship: Dependents' Application for VA Education Benefits. All other steps are the same as Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®), and you can use those steps to apply your benefits at App.