Top Scholarships for Military Children

If one of your parents is an active duty service member in any of the military branches, there are scholarship opportunities to help with receiving higher education. Some scholarships are branch-specific, supporting children of service members in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard. These scholarships may often be offered by branch-affiliated organizations, so it can be helpful to check within your parent’s branch.

Children of active-duty military service members can find scholarships that are only open to applicants who are children of veterans or active-duty members. There are different types of scholarships and financial aid only children of active service members can apply for, and then there are scholarships with broader requirements that allow you to apply for even more scholarship opportunities. This means there are both highly specialized awards and more general financial aid options, giving military children a wider range of opportunities to help fund their education. Military families’ contributions to their country are often recognized through scholarships and programs aimed at easing the financial burden of higher education.

To help you find scholarships as a child of a parent(s) in the military, we have put together a list of some of the best scholarships out there for military children. After searching and filtering through various scholarship tools, we found that Bold.org’s website is the most user-friendly and comprehensive when it comes to finding scholarships. Below you’ll see a list of scholarships specifically for military children to apply for. You’ll also find tips on scholarship applications and answers to some frequently asked questions. Keep reading to learn more.

As the child of a military service member, you have access to unique financial support opportunities that can help ease the cost of college tuition. Explore a variety of scholarships to find valuable resources that can help fund your education.

How to Find Military Children Scholarships to Apply for

Start with Online Scholarship Databases

Begin your search on scholarship websites dedicated to listing scholarships based on specific criteria, like military affiliation. These sites often allow you to filter out scholarships you don’t qualify for and bookmark those you may want to apply for in future semesters.

Connect with Your Academic Advisor and Peers

Academic advisors and fellow students in your program can be excellent resources for discovering scholarships. They may have insights into specific scholarships for military children or know of relevant opportunities within your field of study.

Consult JROTC or Military Program Directors at Your School

If your school has a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program or other military-affiliated programs, reach out to the program directors. They often have information about scholarships available for military families and can guide you in applying.

Explore Local Businesses and Organizations

Local businesses and community organizations, especially those near military bases or within military communities, sometimes offer scholarships to support military families. Checking with these local entities can reveal valuable scholarship opportunities that might not be widely advertised online. This is an especially good idea if you live in a city near a military base or military family community.

Tips for Winning military children Scholarships

Ensure Your Essay Fully Addresses the Prompt

For scholarships requiring an essay, carefully read the prompt and make sure your response answers every part of it. Avoid unnecessary information or tangents that don’t directly relate to the topic—stay focused and concise.

Keep Your Writing Clear and Engaging

Write clearly and aim to capture the reader’s interest. A compelling, well-structured essay can make a strong impression, while unclear or monotonous writing may lose the sponsor’s attention. Consider proofreading your essay or having someone else review it for clarity and flow.

Consider Applying for Smaller Scholarships

While large college scholarships are appealing, they also attract more applicants, increasing the competition. Applying for scholarships with smaller award amounts can improve your chances, as fewer students may apply, giving you a better opportunity to stand out and win.

Scholarships are also available specifically for military spouses, like the Career Advancement Account Scholarship. If you’re a military spouse seeking financial support for your education, explore our military spouse scholarships today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Children Scholarships

1. Can I Apply For Military Children Scholarships If My Parent Is In The Reserves Or National Guard?

Yes, many scholarships include children of Reservists and National Guard members in their eligibility criteria. However, requirements can vary, so it’s essential to review each scholarship’s guidelines as some may be awarded annually or require a specific field of study or GPA.

2. Are There Scholarships Available Specifically For Children Of Disabled Veterans?

Yes, several scholarships are designed specifically for children of disabled veterans. These scholarships often recognize the unique challenges faced by these families and offer additional support.

3. Can I Apply for Military Children Scholarships If My Parent Is Currently Deployed?

Absolutely. Being a military dependent opens the door to unique financial aid opportunities that recognize the service and sacrifice of their family members. Many scholarships are intended to support families during active duty deployments, and your parent’s deployment status can be relevant to your application. Some scholarships may even prioritize applicants with currently deployed parents.

4. What If My Parent Recently Retired From The Military? Am I Still Eligible?

In many cases, children of retired military personnel are eligible for military scholarships. However, the definition of “recently retired” can vary. Check individual scholarship requirements to ensure eligibility.

5. What Is the Military Children Program?

The Military Children Program typically refers to scholarship and support programs specifically designed to assist the children of military service members, including active-duty, reserve, veteran, and deceased service members. One prominent example is the Fisher House Foundation’s Scholarships for Military Children Program, which awards scholarships to children of active duty, reserve, guard, and retired military personnel.

Undergraduate and graduate students who have parents in the military, like the Marine Corps, can benefit from scholarships. To learn more about scholarships, tutoring services, or even student finances, check out our blog.