Higher education can be a costly endeavor, but for members of the armed forces, veterans, and their families, there are numerous scholarship opportunities designed to make college more affordable. Military and veteran scholarships reward service, dedication, and sacrifice with access to financial aid for degrees at all levels — from associate to doctoral programs. However, successfully applying for these scholarships requires an understanding of eligibility requirements, documentation, and strategies to stand out from the competition.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about how to get military or veteran scholarships, including top funding programs, application tips, and the best resources to start your search.
Understanding Military and Veteran Scholarships
Military scholarships fall into several categories depending on the recipient:
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Active-duty service members
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Veterans
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Reservists or National Guard members
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Spouses and dependents of service members or veterans
These scholarships are offered by federal and state governments, private foundations, universities, and veteran service organizations (VSOs). Some are based on financial need, while others prioritize academic achievement, military service, or specific fields of study.
Top Military and Veteran Scholarship Programs
Here are some of the most well-known and generous scholarships available:
1. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
Who It’s For:
Military veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees.
What It Covers:
Up to $10,000 per year for tuition and expenses, plus access to a national network of scholars and leadership development.
How to Qualify:
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U.S. citizen.
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Demonstrated leadership and service.
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Strong academic potential.
2. AMVETS National Scholarships
Who It’s For:
Veterans, active-duty military, National Guard/reservists, and their children/grandchildren.
What It Covers:
Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000 for full-time students at accredited institutions.
How to Qualify:
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Must provide proof of military status.
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GPA and enrollment requirements vary by program.
3. Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Who It’s For:
Children and spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
What It Covers:
Full tuition and fees for public schools (up to national cap for private schools), housing stipend, and book allowance.
How to Qualify:
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Must be under age 33 (for children).
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Enrollment in a degree-granting program.
4. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) "Sport Clips Help a Hero" Scholarship
Who It’s For:
Veterans and active-duty military enrolled in a VA-approved post-secondary program.
What It Covers:
Up to $5,000 per semester.
How to Qualify:
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Honorable discharge or current military service.
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Enrolled or accepted at an accredited institution.
5. Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship
Who It’s For:
Purple Heart recipients, their spouses, children, or grandchildren.
What It Covers:
Scholarship awards vary based on fund availability and financial need.
How to Qualify:
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Proof of Purple Heart award.
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Full-time enrollment in an accredited program.
How to Find Military Scholarships
Many military scholarships are not widely advertised, so proactive searching is essential. Here are trusted resources to help you find them:
1. Federal and VA Websites
2. Scholarship Databases
3. Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs)
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American Legion
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AMVETS
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VFW
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DAV (Disabled American Veterans)
Steps to Successfully Apply
Applying for military and veteran scholarships requires preparation and attention to detail. Follow these steps to increase your chances of winning:
1. Gather Documentation Early
Most scholarships require verification of military status. Common documents include:
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DD-214 (discharge papers)
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Proof of service (for active-duty members)
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Dependency documentation (for spouses and children)
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Transcripts and admission letters
2. Build a Strong Resume and Personal Statement
Emphasize your military background, community involvement, career goals, and reasons for pursuing higher education. A well-crafted personal statement can set you apart.
3. Meet Every Deadline
Military scholarships are often competitive. Submit applications well before deadlines, and keep track of any rolling or priority dates.
4. Apply to Multiple Programs
Don’t rely on one scholarship. Apply to a mix of large national awards and smaller local or institutional scholarships.
5. Ask for Recommendations
Letters from commanding officers, professors, or supervisors who can speak to your character and dedication are valuable additions.
Tips for Veterans Transitioning to School
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Use the GI Bill First:
The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers tuition, housing, and supplies. Use scholarships to fill in any gaps or fund graduate study. -
Research In-State Tuition Policies:
Many states offer in-state tuition to veterans regardless of residency, which can reduce costs further. -
Utilize Veteran Services on Campus:
Most schools have a veteran services office to help with academic advising, benefits, and networking. -
Consider Military-Friendly Schools:
These institutions often have dedicated support staff, credit transfer policies, and scholarship programs tailored to veterans.
Scholarships for Military Spouses and Dependents
Military families often make sacrifices alongside service members. Fortunately, many scholarships recognize this:
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MyCAA Program:
Up to $4,000 for spouses of active-duty service members pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees. -
Folds of Honor Scholarship:
For spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members. Awards up to $5,000 per year. -
ThanksUSA Scholarship:
Merit- and need-based awards for spouses and children of military personnel, ranging from $3,000–$5,000.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing higher education after military service—or while still in uniform—can be both empowering and financially challenging. Thankfully, military and veteran scholarships offer substantial assistance to those who have served or supported a loved one in service.