Top Military Scholarships to Apply for This Year

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

One crucial part of many scholarships is a standardized test score. Learn all about SAT testing and how you can improve your score to secure more 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!