Moving frequently and living in remote areas can make it difficult for military spouses to obtain a college degree. Additionally, spouses manage the household and family while the military member is deployed for extended time periods. Coauthors Ventrone, Paul Karczewski, and Robert W. Blue Jr., who have previously collaborated (Ventrone and Karczewski on From the Army to College; Ventrone and Blue on From the Navy to College), here call upon their experience counseling military members and their families to outline the numerous programs available. Their book offers a framework for achieving a college education despite the obstacles. Readers will develop a clear understanding of the various types of higher education, the importance of finding credits to transfer, and an understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of online coursework. The descriptions of federal and state programs, especially how to transfer GI Bill benefits to family members, will be welcomed by anyone pondering how to afford tuition. VERDICT ... The focus on military spouses will be appreciated by counselors and loved ones of servicemen and -women.

Library Journal

It's all within the pages of this book, Balancing Life and Education While Being a Part of a Military Family: A Guide to Navigating Higher Education for the Military Spouse to take anyone in reaching for those professional and personal goals while living the mobile military lifestyle. You will learn how to find valuable resources from this team of experts; create a custom-fit plan for education and career success; and lastly, cut through the online-clutter -- no more wondering which information to trust and second guessing where to start!

Rosette M. Obedoza, MSEd, MHR, Founder & Principal Consultant, www.zensavvymomma.com; Co-Founder, www.overseascentral.com; Founder, Early Learners International School

If you are a military dependent (AD or Veteran) or know someone who is...You need this book! Do NOT reinvent the wheel! With great articulation, honesty, and a touch of wit, Jillian, Robert, and Paul take the search for educational benefits and break it down Barney style. This is a step by step guide to help you strategically plan your education/career journey no matter where you're located or what stage of the journey you may be in; helping you get the most bang for your buck. An amazing resource!

Marcy Carter, Spouse of a Marine Gunner, CWO-3 USMC/Retired

A comprehensive and detailed guide for military spouses seeking to begin or increase their education. The section explaining the reality behind "potential for field growth" statistics was particularly helpful and eyeopening. With both military and civilian resources on nearly every page, explanations and guidance covering everything from applications to commutes to state requirements and regulations, this book is an essential for military spouses of 1 day to 30 years.

Dvija Maurer, Managing Editor at Relobase.com, and Marine Corps Spouse

Jillian Ventrone is the authority and preeminent expert on military educational benefits, resources, and services. Balancing Life and Education While Being Part of a Military Family: A Guide to Navigating Higher Education for the Military Spouse covers every question and concern any spouse could have in regards to higher education. This book is thorough, well organized, and provides excellent resources. As a spouse of an active duty Marine with 13 plus years of service, and having served as a civilian Family Readiness Officer for the United States Marine Corps for over 8 years, I highly recommend this book to any military spouse. This book is enormously helpful and invaluable to those looking to pursue their educational goals.

Jaime Farrell, United States Marine Corps civilian Family Readiness Officer and Marine Corps spouse