Education is a powerful tool that can transform lives, especially for veterans and military families who have made significant sacrifices in service to their country. While the GI Bill and other government programs offer substantial support, many veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents still seek additional financial aid to pursue higher education. Scholarships tailored to military-affiliated individuals can ease the financial burden and open new academic and career opportunities. This article explores some of the best scholarships available for veterans and military families in the United States.
1. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
The Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships for veterans and military spouses. Named after Pat Tillman, an NFL player who left his career to serve in the Army and was tragically killed in Afghanistan, this scholarship honors leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to service.
Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty service members, and spouses pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees.
Award Amount: Varies; typically covers tuition, fees, and living expenses.
Notable Feature: Emphasizes leadership and community impact, offering access to an extensive network of Tillman Scholars.
2. AMVETS National Scholarship Program
AMVETS (American Veterans) offers several scholarships for veterans, active-duty military members, and their children or grandchildren. Their programs aim to support individuals pursuing undergraduate degrees, certifications, or technical training.
Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty members, and children or grandchildren of veterans who are enrolled in accredited programs.
Award Amount: Up to $4,000.
Notable Feature: Offers multiple scholarship opportunities, including those for high school seniors, trade school applicants, and post-secondary students.
3. Folds of Honor Scholarship
Folds of Honor provides scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members. The organization honors their sacrifice by ensuring that their family members have access to quality education.
Eligibility: Spouses and dependents of service members who were killed or disabled while serving.
Award Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year.
Notable Feature: Offers two scholarship categories—one for higher education and one for children attending private K-12 schools.
4. Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship supports women who have served in the U.S. Army or are direct descendants of women who served. It recognizes the unique contributions of women in the military and encourages them to continue their education.
Eligibility: Female veterans and their descendants pursuing community college, undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs.
Award Amount: $1,000 to $2,500.
Notable Feature: Prioritizes applicants who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and service.
5. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Dedicated to supporting the children of U.S. Marines and Navy Corpsmen, this foundation awards scholarships based on financial need and academic potential. Since its inception, it has awarded over 40,000 scholarships.
Eligibility: Children of active duty or veteran Marines and Navy Corpsmen who meet income and academic criteria.
Award Amount: Average award is $3,000.
Notable Feature: Focuses on first-generation college students and those with financial need.
6. National Military Family Association (NMFA) Scholarships
The NMFA offers scholarships for military spouses pursuing various levels of education, including degrees, certifications, and licensures. The organization acknowledges the often-overlooked sacrifices of military spouses.
Eligibility: Spouses of active duty, retired, or deceased service members.
Award Amount: Varies; typically between $500 and $2,500.
Notable Feature: Flexible scholarship that can be used for a wide range of educational and professional goals.
7. Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
This grant program supports Air Force dependents by providing need-based assistance to students enrolled in undergraduate programs.
Eligibility: Children and spouses of active-duty, retired, or deceased Air Force members.
Award Amount: $500 to $2,000 annually.
Notable Feature: Renewable each year and includes access to other AFAS educational resources and loans.
8. Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
Funded by the Veterans United Home Loans company, this scholarship is designed for military service members and their families who have overcome adversity and shown a commitment to personal growth.
Eligibility: Veterans, service members, and their immediate family members pursuing post-secondary education.
Award Amount: Up to $20,000.
Notable Feature: Focuses on personal stories and resilience rather than just academic achievement.
9. Scholarships for Military Children Program
Administered by the Fisher House Foundation and Defense Commissary Agency, this program provides scholarships to children of military personnel.
Eligibility: Children of active-duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel.
Award Amount: $2,000.
Notable Feature: Offered at commissary locations worldwide; applicants are evaluated based on academics, leadership, and community service.
10. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship
Although this scholarship is not exclusively for veterans or their family members, it honors young volunteers who help disabled veterans through the DAV. Many recipients are from military families or ROTC programs.
Eligibility: Students who have volunteered with the DAV.
Award Amount: $1,500 to $20,000.
Notable Feature: Recognizes community involvement and volunteerism with disabled veterans.
Tips for Applying to Military Scholarships
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Start Early: Deadlines vary, and some scholarships have multiple steps.
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Tailor Your Application: Highlight your military experience or family background in your essays.
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Gather Documentation: Have military service records, transcripts, and recommendation letters ready.
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Apply Widely: Don’t limit yourself to one or two scholarships—apply to as many as you're eligible for.
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Seek Help: Many veterans’ centers and nonprofit organizations offer application support.