Find your perfect college degree
Military veterans and their families are generally apprehensive about the ballooning rate of tuition and other expenses related to college.
Because there are no clear signs that the growing cost of college is coming to an end, most veteran students and their families are finding other means to fund their dreams of having a college degree.
Although college student loans are viable options, these loans are relatively expensive. That is why some veterans just forego their dreams of obtaining a college education for fear of incurring large amounts of student debt.
FACT: According to Axios.com, Alaska, Wyoming and Virginia have the highest percentage of veterans.
Not holding a college degree can be detrimental.
In today’s world, especially among entry-level jobs, it’s important to have some level of higher education. Pursuing college, therefore, can potentially result in struggle and poverty. Thankfully, veterans and their families have a great opportunity to earn a degree through college scholarships.
Over the years, US colleges and institutions have experienced a steady increase in student veteran enrollees. This resulted in schools developing different study programs and services aimed at enhancing the success of a veteran in higher education. Scholarships are provided to veteran students to recognize them for their sacrifices in the armed forces.
The study grants and scholarships from the US military are all award-for-service programs. This means that you need to be enlisted in any of the branches of service in the US Army
What is a Veteran?
A veteran is one who once was a member of the Armed Forces of the United States (Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, or Navy) who served on active duty until discharged under several conditions other than dishonorable.
To be called a veteran, there is no specific number of days a student must be on active duty. However, according to the National Guard or Reserves’ enlistment, being on active duty for training does not qualify one as a veteran.
Importance of Earning a Degree as a Military Veteran
Transitioning from military life to civilian life is no walk in the park. But you have a handful of advantages to earning a college once you complete your military service.
Here are the benefits of earning a degree after completing an active tour of duty in the armed forces.
- Easily Transition to Civilian Life. Most veterans attest that attending classes, joining study groups, and meeting peers help them easily transition into civilian life. When you surround yourself with fellow veterans and build a community with them, it’s easier for you to graduate and smoothly transition to civilian life.
- Better Job Opportunities. You also have better opportunities when you earn a degree after serving in the army. In today’s current job market, having a degree is a great advantage. The Economic Policy Institute Washington noted that degree-holder workers far out-earned their colleagues with only a high school diploma.
- Opening Up to New Fields. When you enroll and go back to school after military service, you also give yourself the chance to learn and train in newer fields of your choice. Most military members enter the service right out of high school. Back then, these teenagers aren’t so sure as to what they want to do with their lives. Once you become a veteran, you might want to learn other skills that were initially not that appealing to you when you were still a teenager. The college years are the time you start learning skills that you can put to use in the professional field.
Also commonly referred to as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, this bill is officially called the Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 and was created to help you pay for job training or school. Although this is not officially considered a scholarship grant, this bill is one of the most successful financial assistance programs for military personnel.
It was originally introduced in 1944 to help not only active-duty and retired military personnel to afford a college degree but also engineers, business owners, scientists, doctors, teachers, authors, and actors.
The objective of the Post-9/11 GI Bill is to provide higher education opportunities to the millions of military service members who have served since September 11, 2001. This bill covers fees and tuition for qualified veterans for in-state public undergraduate higher education.
For graduate education, out-of-state tuition, or private institutions, these schools may come up with an agreement with the VA wherein the VA will match the contribution of an institution to cover added costs.
Although we have seen several changes over the years, the GI Bill remains to help military service members and their families in achieving their professional and educational ambitions.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill’s objective is to provide higher education opportunities to the millions of military service members who served since September 11, 2001. This bill covers fees and tuition for qualified veterans for in-state public undergraduate higher education.
For graduate education, out-of-state tuition, or private institutions, these schools may come up with an agreement with the VA wherein the VA will match the contribution of an institution to cover added costs.
Although we have seen several changes over the years, the GI Bill remains to help military service members and their families in achieving their professional and educational ambitions.
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The Top 15 College Scholarships for Veterans and their Family
Scholarships are provided to veterans and their families. To give recognition to people entering the armed services, organizations, colleges, and individuals offer scholarship money to veterans and their families to thank them for their services. Below are fifteen of the largest scholarships available to veterans and their families.
April 2024 Deadline
AFAS General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
- Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Varies every year but correlates to recipient’s financial need
- Application Requirements: Online application form, proof of service documents, front and back copies of student’s military I.D. card, FAFSA Submission Summary, and transcript; five-year program enrollment, if applicable
This grant was created by the Air Force Aid Society and was established in 1942. The Air Force Aid Society is the U.S. Air Force’s official charity. From its inception, the AFAS has extensively worked to meet every need of every Airman and their families. Charitable contributions have aided AFAS in generating money to give to U.S. Airmen needing educational support, financial assistance, or community programs.
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant is AFAS’s pillar in their education support program. Every year, scholarships are awarded to students based on their education costs and family income; children and spouses of active duty and retired and deceased service members are eligible to apply. The grant is designed to guarantee that the recipient gets the right amount of aid while giving scholarships to as many qualified students as possible.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Sports Clips Help A Hero Scholarship
- Deadline of Application: April 30, 2024 (Fall Semester); November 15, 2024 (Spring Semester)
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000
- Application Requirements: Online application form and supporting documents, including the Student Aid Report
The Veterans of Foreign Wars, a patriotic organization with a congressional charter, offers its Help A Hero Scholarship program for active service members and veterans pursuing a college degree and looking for ways to reduce their student loan debt. Veterans must either be honorably discharged or retired, with demonstrated financial need and be currently enrolled at an accredited college or in a VA-approved program, among other criteria.
Note that applicants must have applied for FAFSA in the academic year in which they are applying for the scholarship.
May 2024 Deadline
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship
- Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: $2,500
- Application Requirements: Online application form, DD214 or Certificate of Service, current official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from professors or commanding officers
AFCEA International, a nonprofit membership association, offers a merit-based scholarship program for both active-duty military servicemen and honorably discharged military veterans who served in Overseas Contingency Operations (20023-present). These include Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.
Applicants must be currently enrolled in STEM major degree programs at the undergraduate level, either part-time or full-time and on-campus or online/distance learning formats, in accredited four-year universities in the United States. Only college sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Accepted C4I-related STEM fields include aerospace engineering, statistics, and cybersecurity.
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program
- Deadline of Application: May 1, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Full-time annual tuition charges at public colleges or equivalent at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, for recipients enrolled in independent colleges
- Application Requirements: Online application form and supporting documents stated therein
This grant program is made available by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office of the Student Financial Assistance. One of their programs is called the Public Service Grant Program and is offered to students who lost their family members in the line of duty and public service.
To qualify for this grant, a student must:
- Be a legal and permanent resident of Massachusetts for at least one year before starting the year for which this scholarship is granted.
- Be an eligible U.S. citizen or non-citizen under the regulations of Title IV.
- Already applied for financial aid via FAFSA
- Be compliant with the Selective Service Registration
- Be free of any state or federal student loans
- Be enrolled at least 12 credits (or its equivalent) in either a certificate, an associate’s, or a bachelor’s degree program at a qualified institution.
A well-known scholarship for veterans and their families, this program is granted to students on an entitlement basis, and scholars are chosen based on their academic performance.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Educational Scholarship Program
- Deadline of Application: May 15, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 (part-time students); $2,500 (full-time students)
- Application Requirements: Completed application form, personal statement, letters of recommendation
Members of the Paralyzed Veterans of America, as well as their dependent unmarried children and spouses, are eligible for the scholarship. If you’re a prior recipient, you can apply again, but you can only be awarded twice. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens and currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
Applicants are assessed based on their extracurricular activities, education goals, and academic performance.
Navy League of the United States Foundation Scholarships
- Deadline of Application: May 15, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 – $20,000
- Application Requirements: Completed application form, official transcript, Student Aid Report, SAT/ACT scores, proof of service, letter of recommendation, a brief biography, and a 500-word essay prompt
The Navy League strives to put a college education within reach of past and present members of the sea services and their qualified children and grandchildren. Interested individuals can choose from several scholarships, including:
- $20,000 scholarship from the Nave League Foundation
- $10,000 endowed scholarships like the Jack and Eileen Anderson Scholarship, Wesley C. Cameron Scholarship, and Collins Aerospace Scholarship
- $1,000 Alaska Sea Service Scholarship (four recipients)
Check out the CSU Military Spouse Scholarship, which shoulders up to 60 credit hours of a recipient’s coursework.
June 2024 Deadline
Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship Program
- Deadline of Application: June 1, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Application Requirements: Application form, high school and college transcript, essay (What is patriotism?), letters of recommendation, resume, and non-refundable fee
Purple Heart recipients are eligible to apply for the MOPH scholarship program with their applications evaluated based on academic achievement, community and military experience, and extracurricular activities, among others. Membership in the MOPH is a must, too, and their dependent children and spouses/widows/widowers can apply for the scholarship.
Applicants must meet all three of these requirements:
- Current high school senior, high school graduate, or upcoming graduate of a GED program
- Either admitted into or already enrolled as a full-time student at a trade school or accredited four-year college when the scholarship is awarded.
- Demonstrate either technical or academic proficiency.
The award amount can be used for direct costs.
July 2024 Deadline
Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program & Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program
- Deadline of Application: July 15, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Varies, but the award may not exceed annual tuition and fees of full-time resident undergraduate within the University System of Maryland (exceptions apply)
- Application Requirements: Completed application form and verification of service-related disability
Veterans with at least 25% service-connected disability and don’t qualify anymore for federal veterans’ educational benefits may qualify for the scholarship. Applicants must be seeking an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree and enrolled either full-time or part-time, and must be Maryland residents at the time of application (exceptions apply).
Administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission’s Office of Student Financial Assistance, it’s among the most generous scholarship programs for veterans. Recipients can receive up to five years of scholarship of full-time enrollment up to eight years for part-time studies, or a combination of both.
Army Women’s Foundation Trident University Scholarship
- Deadline of Application: Opens April 8, 2024; all materials must be postmarked by July 25, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Full-ride scholarship (excluding books and supplies and other indirect costs)
- Application Requirements: Online application, proof of service, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and an essay
This scholarship was established in 1969 as the Women’s Army Corps. Fourteen years later, the Army Women’s Foundation was founded and raised more than $400,000 in charitable contributions. Over the years, it has substantially grown into a foundation that is dedicated to army women and veterans to acknowledge their services and promote the public interest.
The Trident University scholarship can cover either undergraduate or graduate studies for past and present female soldiers; up to six recipients are selected every year. Recipients are picked based on merit and need, as well as on their community service and academic potential.
September 2024 Deadline
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
- Deadline of Application: September 30, 2024 (For renewal of scholarship)
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
- Application Requirements: Completed Blue Form and Yellow Form
Applicants to The Freedom Alliance Scholarship fund must be the children of:
- Military personnel who have either been declared 100% totally and permanently disabled OR killed from training or combat mission and have received honorable discharge
- Experienced limb amputation from enemy action
- Classified as MIA or POW
- Awarded the Navy Cross, Medal of Honor, or Distinguished Service Cross, among others
Other eligibility requirements apply. The scholarship can be renewed for up to three years after the initial award or up to four scholarships.
New applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are currently being accepted.
October 2024 Deadline
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation USS Montana Scholarship
- Deadline of Application: Opens on October 1, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: $2,000
- Application Requirements: Completed online application, DSF essay, two references, SAT/ACT scores, and official transcript
Established in 1960, the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation offers several scholarship programs for students enrolled in two-year and four-year degree programs and trade/vocational programs. Applicants are evaluated based on merit including their academic proficiency and excellence and commitment to curricular and extracurricular activities.
Among its endowed scholarship programs is the USS Montana scholarship, a one-time, non-renewable scholarship; prior recipients, however, can reapply but aren’t guaranteed an award. Applicants must be either present or past USS Montana crewmembers for at least six months or their children, stepchildren, or spouses.
December 2024 Deadline
Allied.com Military Scholarship Competition
- Deadline of Application: December 15, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000 per recipient (Two awards are given)
- Application Requirements: Online application form, transcripts and enrollment verification, essay, and proof of service
Offered by Allied Van Lines, the Allied.com Military Scholarship is open for U.S. residents or permanent residents who have enrolled or are planning on enrolling as full-time students in a logistics, operational management, or supply chain management degree program. Veterans must be dishonorably discharged to be considered, and their spouses or dependent children can also apply.
Applicants will be evaluated based on their essays and other academic and non-academic criteria.
February to April 2025 Deadline
Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarship
- Deadline of Application: February 15, 2025 (In your senior high school year)
- Scholarship Amount: $16,000-$20,000
- Application Requirements: Secondary school report, essay, Student Aid Report (SAR), and letter of recommendation
This scholarship was founded in 1894 and was started by the descendants of soldiers from the Revolutionary War. It aims to ensure that the values of the Revolutionary War are preserved and to continue to push for the study of this critical time in U.S. History.
Today, this scholarship is open for daughters of members of the armed services. This grant has been helping daughters of veterans achieve college education for more than a century.
The Daughters of Cincinnati awards massive support and scholarships to daughters of career commissioned officers in the U.S. who meet specific criteria focusing on academic performance and financial capacity. If selected, student scholars receive scholarship money given over the whole four-year duration of their college degree program.
The Marine Corps Scholarship
- Deadline of Application: March 1, 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000
- Application Requirements: Transcripts with complete Fall 2023 grades and cumulative GPA, 2022 federal tax return with dependent declaration for the applicant, qualifying military parent service documentation, and clear photo of the applicant
This scholarship started in 1962 and is one of today’s largest and oldest need-based scholarship grants to children of military personnel. For over five long decades, the foundation has funded the children of Navy Corpsmen and Marines.
The Marine Corps Scholarship is provided to extraordinary students coming from families of a Navy Corpsman or a Marine, or a Chaplain or Religious Programs specialist in a Marine unit. The scholar has to show impeccable academic performance (i.e., 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA) and must be proven to be an excellent leader in the community. Adjusted gross annual income must be $117,000 for the 2022 tax year.
Anchor Scholarship Foundation
- Deadline of Application: April 1, 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Varies from $2,500 to $8,000 per year
- Application Requirements: Online application form, proof of relationship, complete written responses, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and Student Aid Report
Anchor Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to raising money to help pay for the tuition of Navy personnel and their families. These scholarships are typically awarded based on an applicant’s character, academic performance, financial needs, and extracurricular activities.
Eligible applicants are dependent children or spouses of U.S. Navy sailors who are active, retired or honorably discharged. There are two major scholarship types offered:
- Foundation scholarships and endowed scholarships, such as the Raytheon-Zumwalt Scholarship, Leidos STEM Scholarship, and Rolls-Royce STEM Scholarship
- Ships company scholarships, such as USS Bulkeley, USS Cincinnati, and USS Thomas Hudner
Many of these scholarships are renewable annually for up to four years.
Possible Degrees That Match the Skills and Jobs of the Military
Veterans come from all walks of life, geared with a handful of skills and different educational backgrounds. Some veterans acquire skills and training while in service and can opt to major and work in practically any field.
However, some careers are more natural and fitting for veterans, considering their intensive back and experience before they become veterans.
- Criminal Justice. Most student veterans and service members are easily attracted to law enforcement and criminal justice because even if they have already left the service, there is still that inner desire to hone and use their skills in serving and protecting. Thus, getting a criminal justice degree gives them better chances of landing a good position in the job market.
- The Medical Field. Most veterans are trained to have basic medical care skills and develop these skills even further during the course of their service. Upon completing their tour of duty, going for a degree in nursing and the like is a wise move.
- Information Technology and Computer Science. The military has sophisticated technology, and over the years, it has continued to work intensively to modernize its networks and systems. Thus, having a degree in computer science can help student veterans in building more on the skills they have learned. Plus, the careers waiting in this field of study are very lucrative.
- Business. At some point, veterans learn and acquire management skills during their service. They must learn these skills as they are expected to lead teams, operations, and projects. If you’re someone planning to own a business, then a degree in business administration is a good move.
- Aviation. Those military service members who have learned the dynamics of aeronautics and aviation in their military training can opt for a degree related to aviation, such as an aircraft maintenance engineer or an air traffic controller.
- Construction Engineering. There will be a significant increase in science, technology, and engineering jobs in the next five years. You’ve already laid the groundwork for a career as a construction engineer if you’ve worked as a combat engineer or a mechanic. After all, you probably spent a significant portion of your military career constructing things.
Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications
It’s relatively easy to search for scholarships that best fit your interests. The challenge is how to win one. Snag the best veteran scholarship application with these tips.
- Start with the smaller scholarships. Most students look for study grants offering bigger grants. However, bigger grants mean they are almost always in demand and competitive. On the other hand, smaller grants are easier to win because only a few students compete for them.
- Personalize your essay. In most cases, scholarship judges can easily tell if your essay is submitted to meet the grant’s criteria. It’s wise to have your essay personalized. Start it off by showcasing your personality, making sure that you will stand out. Here are some more tips when writing personalized essays:
- Do not attempt to guess what the reader wants to hear.
- Feel free to be amusing or creative – but don’t go too far.
- Tell us something we don’t already know.
- Ask for input (but not too much).
- Edit, proof, polish, and breathe.
- Submit your applications early. Don’t wait until it’s the due date. Follow instructions properly. If the scholarship organizations say they prefer applications sent in through mail, don’t email it. Or, if the essay has a specified word count limit, avoid going over it.
- Most grant providers get so many qualified applications that exceed their actual available funds. To avoid reducing the risks of you getting disqualified, follow the requirements and instructions properly.
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