Scholarships for Military and Dependents

Most college students face large tuition bills. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that, on average, enrollees at in-state public schools paid just under $10,000 annually in tuition, while private institutions charged approximately $35,000 in the 2022-2023 academic year.

Earning a degree involves expenses beyond tuition alone. Other college costs, such as room and board, books and supplies, and transportation, make a degree more expensive than what many students can afford. These learners can turn to various scholarship opportunities to help make their education more affordable.

Although military service members, veterans, and their dependents benefit from the GI Bill®, they can still explore additional financial aid opportunities. States, military branches, schools, and organizations offer scholarships for veterans and their dependents. The following sections outline these financial aid opportunities.

Why Apply for Military Scholarships?

Scholarships for veterans help students earn degrees and return to civilian life. A degree confers new skills and may qualify graduates for various jobs. Many organizations extend the same benefits to veterans' spouses and children, especially those whose veteran spouse or parent died in combat.

1. The GI Bill Has Limitations

Service members become eligible for GI Bill benefits after 90 days of active service. Benefits increase until a service member attains three years of active service. At that point, the GI Bill covers in-state tuition at the most expensive in-state public college or university.

The Department of Veterans Affairs maintains a database of schools accepting GI Bill benefits.The GI Bill's primary limitation is that its benefits only cover three academic years, so learners seeking bachelor's degrees may need to find additional funding sources for their fourth year.

2. Military Scholarships Recognize Veterans and Their Family Members

Military branches and private organizations sponsor scholarships for veterans, along with their spouses and children. Grandchildren enrolled in approved postsecondary programs may qualify in limited circumstances — these awards detail eligibility criteria on their website, which may include possessing a Uniformed Services ID Card.

Learners interested in military branch scholarships can start the application process by speaking with a commanding officer. These awards may impose rigorous requirements for renewal.

3. Military Scholarships Are Less Competitive

Scholarships for veterans appeal to learners due to their relatively small applicant pool. Fewer applicants provides a greater chance of receiving funding. However, military service does not guarantee a scholarship. Learners should strive to submit the best applications possible.

Like traditional scholarships, scholarships for veterans often require each applicant to submit official transcripts, an essay, and recommendation letters from a work supervisor or commanding officer. Other materials may include proof of military enlistment.

How To Get A Military Scholarship

Start As Soon As Possible

Prospective and current degree-seekers should start researching scholarships for veterans as soon as possible, as most scholarships use only one annual application deadline. Additionally, some scholarships operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Identify Recommenders

Many scholarships for veterans and their children require one or more recommendation letters. Providers may request letters from a commanding officer or work supervisor. If the scholarship does not specify sources for these recommendations, other options include high school and college professors.

Gather Necessary Documentation

In addition to proof of military affiliation, typical scholarship application documentation includes academic transcripts and recommendation letters. Some awards also require a work sample, a resume, an essay, and/or a photograph.

Write an Essay

An essay allows scholarship applicants to introduce themselves to the scholarship committee. Applicants should stick to the essay prompt, as deviating from the assigned topic may disqualify them. Candidates should ask other people to read their essays and provide feedback before submitting.

Submit Scholarship on Time

Students should pay close attention to scholarship deadlines. Some scholarships require applications to be in hand by a specific date, while others consider applications with a postmark by the due date.

Military Scholarships

For Service Members

Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program

• Sponsoring Organization: Army Women's Foundation
• Amount: $2,500-$5,000
• Due Date: January

The Army Women's Foundation offers multiple scholarships to women in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve, and Army National Guard. Each applicant must be active-duty or honorably discharged female service members or a direct descendant. They must also meet academic performance requirements and be enrolled in or accepted to attend an accredited postsecondary institution.

NBCC Foundation Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation
• Amount: Up to $8,000
• Due Date: Annual application cycle opens in September

This scholarship aims to help military-affiliated students become professional counselors. Open to active service members, veterans, and their spouses, the program provides funding to full-time students enrolled in master's programs accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

NorthAmerican.com Military Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: North American Van Lines
• Amount: $1,000
• Due Date: December 15

North American Van Lines offers this scholarship to students preparing for careers in logistics, operational management, and supply chain management. Current and former active-duty military service members and their dependents can apply.

Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, Sport Clips Haircuts
• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Due Date: April 30 (for the upcoming fall semester), November 15 (for the upcoming spring semester)

Military-affiliated students with a demonstrated need for financial aid may qualify for this funding program. It is open to active-duty, honorably discharged, and retired members of the military, National Guard, or Reserves who hold a rank of E-5 or lower.

Tillman Scholars

• Sponsoring Organization: Pat Tillman Foundation
• Amount: Varies
• Due Date: Annual application cycle opens in October

Open to active service members, veterans, and their spouses, the Tillman Scholars program recognizes promising students who demonstrate leadership potential and make a positive social impact. Qualifying members of the National Guard or any military branch pursuing bachelor's, graduate, and professional degrees at accredited U.S. institutions may apply.

For Veterans

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation Scholarships

• Sponsoring Organization: Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
• Amount: $1,500-$4,000
• Due Date: Varies

The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation administers multiple scholarships for veterans and their family members who have served in submarine units. Each year, the foundation awards 30-40 scholarships to recipients based on academic merit and community service.

Heroes Fund Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: Liberty University
• Amount: Up to 120 credit hours (bachelor's degree) or 30-60 credit hours (master's degree)
• Due Date: Rolling

Open to honorably discharged Gulf War veterans and active service members, this scholarship can cover up to the entire tuition of a Liberty University bachelor's or master's degree. Purple Heart recipients, veterans with disabled ratings of 50-100%, and their spouses are eligible.

Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program

• Sponsoring Organization: Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Amount: $1,000-$2,500
• Due Date: Annual application cycle opens in March

Paralyzed Veterans of America members, their spouses, and their unmarried children up to age 24 can apply for this scholarship program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and actively enrolled at an accredited U.S. postsecondary institution.

Purple Heart Scholarship Program

• Sponsoring Organization: Military Order of the Purple Heart
• Amount: $1,000-$5,000
• Due Date: June 1

This scholarship program honors recipients of the Purple Heart military award. It is also open to their spouses, widows or widowers, and direct lineal descendants. Recipients must be accepted and enrolled as full-time students in accredited U.S. institutions when award winners are announced.

Veterans Tech Skills Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: Digital Workshop Center
• Amount: 25-100% of total tuition costs
• Due Date: Rolling

The Digital Workshop Center offers this scholarship to veterans enrolled in technology certificate programs leading to fast-growing, in-demand career opportunities. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who can provide proof of military service and demonstrated financial need.

For Dependents and Other Family Members

AFAS Merit Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: Air Force Aid Society
• Amount: $5,000
• Due Date: April 30

The Air Force Aid Society offers merit scholarships to dependent children of active-duty or retired U.S. Air Force or Air National Guard service members who demonstrate exceptional academic potential. Candidates receive consideration by applying for an Arnold Education Grant.

Children of Fallen Patriots Scholarships and Grants

• Sponsoring Organization: Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
• Amount: Varies
• Due Date: Varies

Children of Fallen Patriots administers or participates as a partner in multiple scholarship programs for students who have lost a parent in battle or have a parent with a permanent disability from combat duty. Some programs also offer funding to applicants with parents classified as missing in action.

My Career Advancement Account Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: Military One Source
• Amount: Up to $4,000
• Due Date: Rolling

The My Career Advancement Account program provides up to $4,000 in education funding to military spouses who plan to obtain or maintain associate degrees, professional licensure, or certifications. Recipients can apply awards to nationally administered standardized tests leading to course credit or tuition fees.

Scholarships for Military Children

• Sponsoring Organization: Fisher House Foundation
• Amount: $2,000
• Due Date: February 12

Each year, the Fisher House Foundation awards 500 scholarship grants of $2,000 each to unmarried dependent children of military-affiliated parents. Each applicant must demonstrate strong academic achievement and be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's degree or direct four-year transfer program to qualify.

Wings Over America Scholarship

• Sponsoring Organization: Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation
• Amount: Up to $5,000
• Due Date: March 1

The Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation provides awards of up to $5,000 to the dependent children of U.S. Navy service members engaged in aviation duties. Some scholarships are renewable. Wings Over American also administers 12 other scholarship programs, which are also available to award recipients.

Additional Resources for Military Veterans and Their Families

Expert Interview

Q. Why should veterans and their dependents apply for scholarships even if they have military education benefits available to them?

The amount of aid for veterans varies among programs. Each program places some exceptions or limitations on benefits. Veterans should use scholarship funds to pay for any tuition, housing, fees, or books not covered by their benefits. Dependents of veterans may or may not be covered by the benefit programs, making scholarships even more important for them.

Q. Is it possible that scholarships might clash with military education benefits? How can students ensure this does not happen?

Scholarships do not typically clash with military education benefits. Scholarship sponsors want their funds to be used and will make sure their awards are available to veterans or their dependents without any complications or conflicts with their existing military benefit programs.

Q. What tips can you offer veterans concerning searching and applying for scholarships?

The best advice is to apply often and early. Apply for as many scholarships as possible. Many scholarships are available to anyone. Treat the application process like a part-time job, spending a few hours each week searching and applying. Winning a scholarship requires effort and discipline, which should give veterans a head start.

Applying early improves applicants' chances of their application being seen and carefully reviewed by the selection committee. Early applications have a much better chance of creating a positive impression. Most students procrastinate and apply near the deadline, making it difficult for their application to stand out and be seen.