With the world in tumult, military members continually risk their lives to protect American interests abroad and at home. Whether they’re surveying the seas as a member of the Coast Guard or mentoring the next generation of defenders, everyone who has served and continues to serve is an invaluable part of the American community.

To recognize their efforts, many private and public organizations offer military scholarships to support active-duty service members, veterans, and their families in pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, including opportunities for those attending community college. There’s often a stereotype for military members as all brawn and no brains, but without a sharp mind to make the high-pressure decisions that come with the job, all operations would fall apart.

This blog will explore the various military scholarships available to active duty service members, veterans, and their families, offering financial support for higher education. We will cover specific scholarship programs for military children, spouses, and personnel so they can maximize educational opportunities and financial assistance!

Scholarship Institute has researched the best scholarship platforms to curate scholarship lists organized by demographics, major, and academic year! Check them all out on our scholarships page!

military veterans on college campus with school counselors

Top Military Scholarships to Apply for in May 2025

Browse verified military scholarships only available on Bold.org. From army veterans to navy recruits, funding is just one simple application away.

Joseph A. Monachino Memorial Scholarship

Joseph A. Monachino Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Joseph A. Monachino by supporting students who are committed to pursuing higher education.

Award Amount: $1,600
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Winners Announced: August 1, 2025
Eddie Hankins Medical Service Scholarship

Eddie Hankins Medical Service Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Eddie Hankins by supporting students who are following in his footsteps and continuing the work he loved.

Award Amount: $900
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Winners Announced: July 31, 2025
Patriots Path Scholarship

Patriots Path Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.

Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: July 1, 2025
Winners Announced: August 1, 2025
Donald Mehall Memorial Scholarship

Donald Mehall Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Donald Mehall by supporting students who are connected to servicemembers.

Award Amount: $850
Deadline: June 25, 2025
Winners Announced: July 25, 2025
Veterans & Family Scholarship

Veterans & Family Scholarship

Supporting military veterans in their pursuit of higher education is essential for both the individual and the nation.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: June 4, 2025
Winners Announced: July 4, 2025
Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship

Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of Rod Tucci by supporting students who share his passion for the trades.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: June 11, 2025
Winners Announced: July 11, 2025
Mrs. Maryland Black United States JROTC Leadership Scholarship

Mrs. Maryland Black United States JROTC Leadership Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to support deserving graduating seniors from Prince George's County as they prepare to attend college.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: June 30, 2025
Winners Announced: July 31, 2025
John Acuña Memorial Scholarship

John Acuña Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the life of John Acuña by supporting students who have served their country and are now pursuing their academic goals.

Award Amount: $4,000
Deadline: July 7, 2025
Winners Announced: August 7, 2025
Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship

Eric Maurice Brandon Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Eric Maurice by supporting students who are following in his footsteps and pursuing nursing careers.

Award Amount: $2,000
Deadline: July 14, 2025
Winners Announced: August 14, 2025
Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship

Ray W Bausick Green Industry Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ray W Bausick by supporting high-achieving students who are pursuing careers in the green industry.

Award Amount: $6,000
Deadline: July 14, 2025
Winners Announced: August 14, 2025
ADP Scholarship

ADP Scholarship

This scholarship aims to support students who have big dreams of attending college but don’t have the family resources necessary to afford tuition.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: July 20, 2025
Winners Announced: August 20, 2025
Hector Javier Palacios Law Enforcement Scholarship

Hector Javier Palacios Law Enforcement Scholarship

This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Hector Javier Palacios by supporting students who plan to spend their careers giving back through law enforcement.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: August 1, 2025
Winners Announced: September 1, 2025
USMC Sgt. Owen J. Lennon Memorial Scholarship

USMC Sgt. Owen J. Lennon Memorial Scholarship

In honor of Owen J. Lennon, this scholarship will support a student in achieving their educational goals.

Award Amount: $750
Deadline: September 29, 2025
Winners Announced: October 29, 2025
Monti E. Hall Memorial Scholarship

Monti E. Hall Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is rooted in Monti E. Hall’s spirit, aiming to support veterans who are returning to school and pursuing their own educational journey.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: October 27, 2025
Winners Announced: November 27, 2025
SFC Ronald Chatters - Triple Nickel - Second to None Scholarship

SFC Ronald Chatters - Triple Nickel - Second to None Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Ronald Chatters by supporting minority students who are interested in pursuing a military career.

Award Amount: $1,500
Deadline: December 5, 2025
Winners Announced: January 5, 2026
Bill E. Wood Memorial Scholarship

Bill E. Wood Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Bill E. Wood and the love he spread by supporting students as they pursue their dreams.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Winners Announced: January 31, 2026
Brian Chellios Memorial Scholarship

Brian Chellios Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Brian Chellios by supporting the next generation of brave fire service workers.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 2, 2026
Winners Announced: February 2, 2026
Learner Online Learning Innovator Scholarship for Veterans

Learner Online Learning Innovator Scholarship for Veterans

This scholarship seeks to reward motivated learners by supporting a community of innovative minds who rely on the digital realm to enrich their learning experiences.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 2, 2026
Winners Announced: February 2, 2026
A Heroes Family Scholarship

A Heroes Family Scholarship

As one small way to help the families of first responders, the A Heroes Family Scholarship exists to provide financial support for a student who has lost a parent/guardian or spouse to an on-duty tragedy of a first responder.

Award Amount: $1,000
Deadline: March 30, 2026
Winners Announced: April 30, 2026
Best Greens Powder Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

Best Greens Powder Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

In recognition of the burden higher education can place on military families, this scholarship seeks to give back to these dedicated families to honor their sacrifices.

Award Amount: $3,000
Deadline: April 1, 2026
Winners Announced: May 1, 2026
Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: April 15, 2026
Winners Announced: May 15, 2026
SrA Terry (TJ) Sams Jr. Civil Engineering Scholarship

SrA Terry (TJ) Sams Jr. Civil Engineering Scholarship

This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of TJ Sams, Jr. by supporting students who are planning to enlist in the military.

Award Amount: $500
Deadline: June 20, 2026
Winners Announced: July 20, 2026

Who Qualifies for Military Scholarships

Military scholarships are designed to support current service members, veterans, and their families as they pursue higher education. Eligibility requirements vary, but they often focus on military service, academic standing, and family connections to the armed forces. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies:

  • Active Duty Service Members: Scholarships are available to members currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.
  • Veterans: Those who have served in the military and have been honorably discharged are typically eligible for a range of scholarships. Some require specific service periods or active duty within a certain timeframe.
  • Military Spouses and Children: Many scholarships support spouses and dependent children of active duty service members or veterans. Eligibility may be based on factors like the service member’s length of service, duty status, or whether they were disabled or lost in the line of duty.
  • ROTC Cadets: Students enrolled in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) programs at participating colleges may qualify for ROTC-specific scholarships that cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
  • Academic and Service Requirements: Many scholarships require a minimum GPA, community service hours, or participation in military-related activities or coursework.

For scholarships with less stringent eligibility requirements, consider these easy scholarships!

eligibility for military scholarships

Top Military Scholarships

Scholarships for Military Families

Military families play a crucial role in supporting the readiness and resilience of the U.S. armed forces. Numerous scholarships are available to help reduce the cost of higher education for military dependents to acknowledge these contributions.

  • Scholarships for Military Children Program: This program honors the sacrifices made by military families and provides scholarships to children of active duty, retired, or deceased service members. By easing the financial burden of college, these scholarships support the military family community that contributes to national defense.
  • Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically dedicated to the children of service members who lost their lives or became disabled due to their active service since September 11, 2001. It recognizes their legacy and provides financial assistance for college-bound dependents.
  • School Liaisons: Military-connected school liaisons offer valuable support for families, assisting with college and career readiness, standardized test preparation, and scholarship opportunities. These liaisons provide a wealth of resources to help students successfully navigate the college application and financial aid process.

Also, check out the Fisher House Foundation! This organization offers a comprehensive, customizable scholarship search tool that helps military families identify scholarships suited to their specific needs!

Another scholarship search engine you can utilize is Bold.org’s scholarship search tool. Check out our review of Bold.org for a comprehensive analysis of this scholarship organization.

military veterans in classroom

Scholarships for Active Duty Service Members & Veterans

  • USAC Military Service Scholarship: This scholarship supports undergraduate students who are U.S. military personnel—either active or veteran status—or their dependents, including children and spouses. To qualify, applicants must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrating their commitment to academic achievement while easing the cost of college.
  • CCME Veteran Scholarship: Available to prior uniformed service members, this scholarship requires applicants to submit an essay (450-700 words) detailing their academic journey, accomplishments, and future aspirations.
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars: VFW’s Military Scholarship Program offers financial assistance to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families pursuing higher education.
  • AMVETS National Scholarship Program: The AMVETS organization offers a national scholarship program designed to assist veterans who may have exhausted other government-funded educational benefits, such as federal student aid.

Air Force Aid Society Scholarships

  • Air Force Aid Society Scholarships: The Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) offers a variety of scholarships aimed at easing education expenses for Air Force families.
  • General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program: This need-based program, funded by the AFAS, offers grants to undergraduate students from Air Force families.
  • VFW Military Scholarship Program: Offered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), this scholarship provides financial assistance to active-duty service members and veterans pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.

There are still great gender divides within the military service. If you identify as a woman, apply to these scholarships for women determined to support you in your educational goals!

air force aid society

Field-Specific Scholarships

  • NorthAmerican.com Military Scholarship Competition: This scholarship is available to current and former active-duty military members and their dependents who are majoring in military logistics, supply chain management, or operational management.
  • Allied Military Scholarship Competition: Open to full-time undergraduates studying logistics or supply chain management, this scholarship also supports the children or spouses of active-duty or honorably discharged military members.
  • Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA) Foundation Scholarship: Available to AAAA members and their families, this scholarship supports spouses and unmarried children or grandchildren attending accredited colleges. It promotes educational growth for those connected to Army aviation and its community.

ROTC Scholarships

Army ROTC scholarships offer financial aid for students interested in military leadership careers. Scholarships come in various forms—2, 3, or 4-year awards, depending on the student’s academic progress and military commitment, often covering tuition and fees. Recipients also receive a monthly stipend and allowances for books.

These scholarships are open to high school seniors and college students meeting eligibility criteria, including U.S. citizenship, age requirements, and physical standards. Cadets fulfill their service obligation as Army officers after graduation. For more, visit GoArmy ROTC Scholarships.

Joining the military straight out of high school can be a great way to pay for college. Check out these scholarships for high school seniors to supplement military funding!

military parent hugs children

Merit-Based Scholarships

  • Leadership Essay Contest: This contest invites junior officers from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard to share their perspectives on leadership through written essays. Winners gain recognition and financial rewards, contributing to their professional development within the military.
  • Tillman Military Scholars Program: Named in honor of Pat Tillman, this prestigious program offers scholarships to active-duty service members, veterans, and their spouses pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees.
  • Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship: Service members and veterans who have completed Basic Training and follow-on training are eligible for this scholarship, which provides up to $5,000 toward tuition.
  • LNVB Retroactive Scholarship: Designed for veterans who have previously attended college, this scholarship offers full tuition assistance to those carrying student loan debt due to limited coverage from other educational programs.
  • Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program: This program offers full-tuition scholarships to commissioned officers pursuing full-time medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, psychology, or optometry degrees in accredited U.S. or Puerto Rican institutions.

If you’re a military veteran, check out these veteran scholarships curated especially for those who have served!

How to Access Military Scholarships

Accessing military scholarships, like the Scholarships for Military Children Program and Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships, involves a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Review the criteria for each scholarship. You can apply for as many as you want if you meet the eligibility requirements.
  2. Gather Documents: Typically, you’ll need proof of military affiliation, academic transcripts, and possibly financial documentation for need-based scholarships.
  3. Complete Applications: Carefully fill out applications for both scholarships, ensuring all sections are complete and accurate.
  4. Use Fisher House’s Scholarship Search Tool: To explore additional options, visit the Fisher House website for a customizable scholarship search tool. This resource can help you identify other scholarships that may suit your background and needs.

Applying to multiple scholarships helps maximize financial aid opportunities, supporting your educational journey as a military family member.

how to access military scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Scholarships

1. Does the Military Pay for 100% of College?

The military offers a range of education benefits, including tuition assistance and the GI Bill, but these may not cover 100% of college costs, depending on the program and individual circumstances. Additional funding through scholarships, grants, and personal resources may be necessary.

2. Which Military Branch Has the Best College Benefits?

The best military branch for college benefits depends on individual needs and goals, but the Army and Navy often provide the most comprehensive education programs, including the GI Bill, tuition assistance, and ROTC scholarships. These branches especially prioritize flexibility for student service members, allowing them to pursue higher education while balancing their operational or training mission.

3. What Are the Best Universities for Service Members Pursuing Undergraduate Degrees?

Some of the best universities for service members include those that are military-friendly, such as the University of Maryland, the University of Southern California, and the University of Texas at Austin, which offer support services and flexibility for military students.

Don’t forget to check out our blog, where we cover all manner of topics, from the legitimacy of academic certification programs to the best universities for your specific major!

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Ari Moriah
Writer | Website

Ari's passion for education and student support forms the foundation of her contributions to Scholarship Institute, where she writes about finding scholarships and funding opportunities. With a strong commitment to helping students, Ari leverages her academic expertise in history and philosophy to guide them in finding resources for their education. She earned a B.A. from Pacific University, where she focused on Early American History and Late Antiquity/Early Medieval Greco-Roman Europe, complemented by a minor in Philosophy. As a writer, Ari draws on her research and educational background to inspire and assist students in achieving academic success.

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