One way companies help our service members is by establishing college scholarships. Members of the military and their loved ones volunteer their time to serve in the armed forces. And these scholarship programs ensure they do not have to also sacrifice their dreams of getting a college education.
Whether you are an active-duty military member, spouse, or service member’s child, there are scholarships for you. In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the most generous scholarships available for all military branches.
Keep in mind these scholarships and grants for active duty military personnel also include assistance for other groups as well. This list is comprised of scholarship opportunities for veterans, retired military members, their spouses, and dependents, too.
You may also like: Is it Possible to Get a College Degree While Actively Serving in the Military?
Scholarships for Active Duty Military
1. AFCEA Military Personnel Scholarships
Deadline: Varies according to scholarship
First up is the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). The AFECA’s Educational Foundation distributes several annual scholarships. These scholarships are for serving military personnel/uniformed military servicemen and women. In most cases, honorably discharged military veterans are also eligible.
Scholarships are available for undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled in an accredited degree program. Most of the awards are for those studying engineering, computer science, or technology.
Contact
AFCEA Military Personnel Scholarships
4114 Legato Road, Suite 1000
Fairfax, VA 22033
(800) 336-4583
edfoundation@afcea.org
2. AMVETS Scholarships
Deadline: April 30th
Each year, AMVETS awards several scholarships for active duty military for up to $12,000 each. They are available to:
- Active-duty military personnel
- Honorably discharged veterans
- Reservists and Army National Guard members
- Spouses
- Children
- Grandchildren
For most AMVET scholarships, you’ll need to demonstrate your need for financial aid. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be U.S. citizens. Additionally, you must provide evidence of active duty service member or veteran status. And you can not be in default on any federal student loans. Some of the available scholarships include:
Scholarships for Veterans, Active Duty, and Guard/Reserves:
- One $4,000 National Service Foundation Scholarship
- One $4,000 Montana Memorial Scholarship
- One $12,000 Caccamo Scholarships
Scholarships for spouses of Veterans, Active Duty, and Guard/Reserves:
- One $4,000 National Service Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships for military children and grandchildren of Veterans, Active Duty, and Guard/Reserves:
- Three $4,000 National Service Foundation Scholarships
- One $1,000 National Service Foundation Scholarship
Contact
4647 Forbes Blvd.
Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 459-9600
thilton@amvets.org
Are you interested in more military college scholarships? Check out What is the Navy College Fund?
3. Army Women’s Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: July 15th and January 21st
The Army Women’s Foundation (AWF) offers several scholarships to honor the service of women in the army. The most recent is the Foundation’s “Six Triple Eight” Scholarship. This is a brand new award in recognition of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. It was an all-black WAC battalion of over 800 women deployed in the second world war. One $2500 scholarship will be awarded each year.
Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for the Army women’s foundation legacy scholarship. Plus, those attending certificate or community college programs are also welcome to apply.
The AWS also oversees the Trident University International Scholarship Program. This program is for current or past women soldiers pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree. Six full-ride scholarships are awarded each year for students enrolled in Trident International. They are based on academic potential, community service, merit, and other criteria.
Contact
Army Women’s Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 5030
Fort Lee, VA 23801
(804) 734-3078
info@awfdn.org
4. Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
The Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund offers 20 to 50 scholarships each year. They are designated for dependent children or non-uniformed spouses of active-dury Naval officers. These scholarships for military children also include adopted children and step-children.
Each $2,000 scholarship is awarded to improve access to educational opportunities. To qualify for the funding, applicants must be graduating high school seniors or graduates. And they must be accepted or enrolled in an accredited academic program. Applicants must also include letters of recommendation.
The CPOSF also awards two MCPON Scholarships annually. These scholarships are in honor of Thomas Crow and Robert J. Walker. Each scholarship is $5,000, and this spouse and military children program is one of the most popular each year.
Contact
Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund
1269 Elliot Avenue
Newport, RI 02841
cposfboard@cposf.org
5. Dolphin Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 15th
The Dolphin Scholarship Fund provides up to 115 annual scholarships. They are specifically for spouses and qualified children of members or former members of the Submarine Force. To qualify, applicants must have served in submarine support activities.
The scholarship amounts are $1,500, $2,100 or $3,500. And recipients can receive up to $14,000 over eight semesters. It is fairly competitive, with only 34 percent of applicants selected. The selection is based on academic proficiency and demonstrated need for financial aid. Plus, students must show significant involvement in extra-curricular school or community activities.
Contact
4966 Euclid Rd. Suite 109
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 671-3200 ext. 111
scholars@dolphinscholarship.org
Related Post: Are Online Colleges Flexible When it Comes to Active Duty Military Students?
6. Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children
Deadline: February 28th
The Fisher House Foundation awards several scholarships to military children. They are for up to $2,000 each and are funded through the generosity of the Defense Commissary Agency. To qualify, you need to be an unmarried child whose parents are currently serving in or retired from the:
- Army
- Marine Corps
- Navy
- Air Force
- Coast Guard
Eligible applicants must be attending (or plan to attend) a U.S. accredited institution and be under 23 years old. In addition, high school applicants need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Those already in college need a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
All applicants for this military children program must possess a U.S. Uniformed Services Identification and Privilege Card. Retired military commissary customers can choose the commissary closest to where they currently live.
FHF also offers a Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship. This program is for children of active-duty military service members who have died or become disabled while in service.
Contact
Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children
12300 Twinbrook Pkwy Suite 410
Rockville, MD 20852
(888) 294-8560
JWeiskopf@fisherhouse.org
7. Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
Deadline: June 30th
The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund was established in honor of the bravery exhibited by members of the U.S. Armed Forces. The fund awards up to $25,000 to dependent children of military service members killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or graduates. And they need to be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students. They must also be under 26 at the time they apply.
Scholarships from the FASF are renewable for up to three years. So students can receive a total of four scholarships while attending college. You must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 to be eligible for renewal. These funding opportunities are for all branches, including:
- Army
- Army National Guard
- Marines
- Air Force
- Coast Guard
Contact
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
22570 Markey Court Suite 240
Dulles, VA 20166
(703) 444-7940
wanda.cruz@freedomalliance.org
8. General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
Deadline: April 30th
The Air Force Aid Society administers the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program. This program provides assistance to:
- Spouses or dependents of active-duty U.S. Space Force or Air Force service members
- Title 10 AGR/Reservist spouses or dependents
- Surviving spouses or dependents of deceased U.S. Space Force or Air Force members
This is a need-based, competitive grant based on educational costs and family income. The awards range from $500 to $4000 each year. The amount correlates to the recipient’s level of need. In addition, each grant is named after the person exemplifying service in the U.S. Space Force or Air Force. And each grant recipient receives that person’s biographical information. This spouse and military children program is one of the best in the country.
Contact
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
P.O. Box 2208
Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 972-2650
afas@afas-hq.org
Related: 5 Resources for College Students Who Are Active Military
9. Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships
Deadline: April 1st
The Hope for Warriors Foundation awards annual scholarships to spouses and caregivers of military members. They include:
New Beginnings Scholarships: Awarded to students pursuing entry-level training and associate degrees
Restoring Self Scholarship: Awarded to students seeking bachelor’s degrees
Honorary Scholarship: Awarded to students pursuing a graduate or post-graduate degree
Restoring Family Scholarship: Awarded to spouses of fallen soldiers
Restoring Hope Scholarship: Awarded to students pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree in social work
These scholarships recognize the recipient’s strength and resolve despite adversity. Funds are designed for continuing education at an accredited college or university. Applicants will need to submit the following:
- Completed application
- Certification form
- Proof of military injury or death
- An original essay discussing academic achievement and personal goals
- Two-page questionnaire
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships
5101 Backlick Rd.
Annandale, VA 22003
(877) 246-7349
scholarships@hopeforthewarriors.org
10. Huebner Scholarships
Deadline: February 1st
Huebner Scholarships are awarded in honor of Lieutenant General Clarence L. Huebner. The Lieutenant commanded the Big Red One during World War II. The scholarships are administered by the Society of the 1st Infantry Division. And they are for the children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren of those who served in the 1st Infantry Division. Children of active-duty personnel in the 1st Infantry Division can also apply.
The award is up to $10,000 in four annual installments of $2,500 and is provided to up to six students. Applicants are chosen based on:
- Scholastic achievements
- Career objectives
- Letters of recommendation
- A 200-word essay
Contact
P.O. Box 607
Ambler, PA 19002
(215) 654-1969
Soc1id1919@aol.com
11. Imagine America’s Military Award Program
Deadline: Varies
Imagine America’s Military Award Program (MAP) offers $1,000 career training scholarships. Applicants can be:
- Active duty military personnel
- Reservists/National Guard members
- Honorably discharged military veterans
- Retired veterans of the U.S. armed forces
These grants are designed to give financial aid to help transition to civilian life. Candidates must enroll in a participating accredited U.S. institution. There are 550 career and technical colleges to choose from.
For these military scholarships, you must display academic potential for successfully completing postsecondary education. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that they qualify for financial assistance.
Contact
Imagine America’s Military Award Program
14200 Park Meadow Drive, Suite 117s
Chantilly, VA 20151
(571) 267-3010
scholarships@imagine-america.org
12. Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships
Deadline: February 3rd
The Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships awards up to $5,000. Spouses of all current, national guard or reserve, and retired uniformed services members are eligible for this tuition assistance. The awards can be used to attend vocational training, related educational programs, and degree-seeking programs.
To qualify for the funding, military spouses must provide:
- A copy of their marriage certificate
- A military verification document
- Signed scholarship agreement form
To apply, you will need to use I.D.me to verify your eligibility. This ensures that only military spouses have access to these exclusive scholarships. Applicants can find this and many other opportunities on the National Military Family Association site.
Contact
Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships
2800 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 250
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 931-6632
info@MilitaryFamily.org
See Also: 5 Success Tips for Active Duty Military Personnel Pursuing College Degrees
13. Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
The Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association (LA FRA) presents $5,000 scholarships yearly. They are reserved for children and grandchildren of military members. Members must belong to the FRA or the LA FRA.
The awards are for students striving to reach their professional goals by pursuing a college education. Candidates can be undergraduate or graduate degree students at an accredited U.S. institution.
There are four scholarships altogether:
- LA FRA Scholarship
- The Sam Rose Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Allie Mae Oden Memorial Scholarship
- NP Scholarship
Applicants can find more details on each scholarship on the LA FRA home page.
Contact
Ladies Auxiliary of the Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships
512 Hyde Park Road
Norfolk VA 23503-5514
(757) 588-6125
SAIROCKSTAR@Gmail.com
14. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Deadline: March 1st
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation provides educational assistance in all 50 states. These scholarship opportunities are for the children of active duty, reserve, and veteran Marines. Additionally, the children of Navy Corpsmen who have served alongside Marines are eligible.
Qualified candidates for this tuition assistance must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. And the family adjusted gross income must not exceed $93,000 for the current tax year. In addition, all applicants must plan to attend an accredited U.S. institution. There are two programs applicants can choose from:
Associate or Undergraduate Degree Scholarship: For those pursuing traditional two or four-year degrees.
Career & Technical Education Scholarship: For those pursuing a technical or career program.
Contact
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
909 North Washington St. Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 549-0060
mcsfnj@mcsf.org
15. Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund
Deadline: March 3rd
The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Scholarship Fund is next on our list. The MOAA provides educational assistance to children of military officers. These can be current, past, or retired commissioned or warrant officers.
Candidates can receive up to five years of undergraduate funding. You must be enrolled at an accredited U.S. institution, be under 24, and remain in good academic standing.The programs include:
- American Patriot Scholarship: Up to $7,000 each school year
- Designated Scholar Program Grant: A $6,500 interest-free loan and a $500 grant each school year.
- Senior Grants: Amounts vary
- General John Paul Ratay Educational Fund Grants: Amounts vary
In addition to a scholarship program, The MOAA also provides $7,000 interest-free loans renewable for up to five years.
Contact
Military Officers Association of America Scholarship Fund
201 North Washington St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
(800) 234-6622
edassist@moaa.org
16. Military Spouse FINRA Fellowship Program
Deadline: May 2
This next scholarship is through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation. It’s called the Military Spouse FINRA Fellowship Program. And it covers the cost of training to become an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC). In addition, certification fees and a monthly stipend are awarded.
The scholarship program is unique because it trains military spouses for a “portable career.” That way, they can improve their family’s financial picture no matter where they are stationed. Eligible candidates are current or surviving spouses of a uniformed military service member, including:
- Army
- Navy
- Marines
- Air Force
- Coast Guard
- Space Force
- Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Military service members can be active duty, National Guard, Reservists, or retirees. They must be entitled to DEERS card possession or eligibility.
Contact
Military Spouse FINRA Fellowship Program
1940 Duke St. Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-4484
militaryspouse@afcpe.org
17. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Grants
Deadline: May 1st
The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers interest-free loans and grants for up to $3,000 annually. They are for service members or retired veterans to attend any U.S. accredited undergraduate or graduate school. This includes secondary, technical, or vocational institutions.
Qualified applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and demonstrate financial need. Additionally, families of service members are eligible. That includes spouses of children of active duty, retired, or deceased Sailors or Marines.
Applicants can reapply each year by completing a new application.
The Relief Society also offers an additional scholarship called the Fry Scholarship. This is for children and spouses of certain armed forces members who died in the line of duty.
Contact
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Grants
875 North Randolph St. Suite 225
Arlington, VA 22203
(800) 654-8364
education@nmcrs.org
18. Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarships are provided through the PVA. They provide wounded military members and their families with financial assistance for education. Scholarships are awarded to paralyzed veterans, their spouses, and children under 24 years old.
Candidates must be accepted or currently enrolled as students at an accredited institution. They must also maintain good academic progress. The award is limited to two per person.
Full-time students receive $2,500, and part-time students are awarded $1000.
Contact
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarships
801 Eighteenth St. NW
Washington, DC 20006
(800) 424-8200
info@pva.org
19. Pat Tillman Scholarships
Deadline: March 6th
The Pat Tillman Foundation offers scholarships to exceptional service members, veterans, and spouses. They are awarded annually to active service members of all branches of the U.S. military. Candidates must be pursuing higher education in public or private leadership. This can be through an undergraduate or graduate program.
A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required. Plus, candidates need documented participation of their time in the service. Applicants must demonstrate Pat Tillman’s values and strength of character.
Online students are welcome to apply as long as they are enrolled in a full-time accredited program. In addition, the main campus must be located in the U.S.
Contact
180 N. LaSalle St., Ste. 2910
Chicago, IL 60601
(773) 360-5277
scholarships@pattillmanfoundation.org
You might also like: Top Online Colleges for Military
20. Society of Daughters of the United States Army Scholarship
Deadline: March 31st
The Society of Daughters of the United States Army presents annual $1,000 scholarships. They are for daughters or granddaughters of a career warrant or U.S. Army-commissioned officer. The service member must currently be on active duty, retired from active duty after at least 20 years of service, or have died while on active duty.
Eligible full-time undergraduate students must be enrolled in an accredited college or university. They must also have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
This is a merit-based scholarship. Candidates are considered based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Financial need is not considered.
Contact
Society of Daughters of the United States Army Scholarship
1461 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 745-1812
DUSAscholarships@gmail.com
21. Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
Each year, the Tailhook Educational Foundation offers over 100 scholarships. Awards range from $3,000 to $15,000. They are given to the children or grandchildren of current or former:
- Naval or Marine Corps Aviators
- Flight Officers
- Aircrewman
The member can also have served on board a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier.
Eligible applicants must be undergraduates who have been accepted at an accredited U.S. institution. So you can either be a recent high school graduate or already enrolled in school. You must also demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are for one year. Applicants can reapply over multiple years but will still compete for selection.
Contact
Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarships
9696 Businesspark Avenue
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 689-9223
bethr@tailhook.net
22. Troops to Teachers Program
Deadline: Varies
The U.S. Department of Defense funds the Troops to Teachers Program. The mission is to enrich the quality of American education by helping to place retired personnel in the nation’s classrooms. It provides transitioning soldiers with a second career in Pre-K through 12th-grade education. And over 100,000 Veterans have successfully transitioned into an educational career since 1993.
Awards can be up to $10,000 and may also be in the form of stipends or bonuses. The program is available to all active duty members or former members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Applicants will need to submit:
- Military service documentation
- Teaching or educational background information
- Personal statement on vocational interests
Contact
6490 Saufley Field Rd.
Pensacola, FL 32509
(850) 452-1901
ttt@navy.mil
23. Veteran Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program
Deadline: June 1st
The Veterans Affairs Yellow Ribbon Scholarship Program is designed for those who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level. It is designed to help pay tuition and fees the GI Bill doesn’t cover, such as:
- Out-of-state schools with higher fees
- Private colleges
- Foreign schools
- Graduate schools
The scholarship program is for service members, honorably discharged military veterans, and retirees from any branch of the U.S. military. To be eligible, candidates must have served 36 months as active duty personnel after 9/11. They must also attend (or plan to attend) a degree-granting accredited institution.
The amounts awarded depend on the VA’s specific arrangement with the college or university.
Contact
Veteran Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program
810 Vermont Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20420
(877) 222-8387
24. Wings over America Foundation Scholarships
Deadline: March 1st
The Wings over America Foundation provides college scholarships of up to $5,000 to children and spouses of U.S. Navy personnel. Members can be serving in active duty, retired, honorably discharged, or deceased. Recipients are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and community-service involvement.
The scholarships can be used for:
- Community college
- Trade school
- Technical school
- Traditional undergraduate college degree programs
Some scholarships are renewable. Applicants can be high school seniors or already enrolled in college. The hard deadline for this scholarship is March 1st. However, a pre-qualification application and documentation must be submitted by February 1st.
Contact
Wings over America Foundation Scholarships
770 Lynnhaven Parkway Ste. 155
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
(757)-228-3314
scholarship@wingsoveramerica.us
For more information on military grants for college, see the Federal Student Aid website.
25. Coast Guard Foundation USAA Enlisted Reserve Scholarship
Deadline: August 15
These last active duty scholarships on our list are offered through the Coast Guard Foundation. The USAA Enlisted Reserve Scholarship is for enlisted Coast Guard reservists and their dependents. Dependents must be registered in DEERS. Applicants must be enrolled in, or accepted by, an accredited college or vocational school. And can be pursuing:
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees
- Doctoral degrees
- Technical or vocational certificates
Candidates need to maintain the minimum GPA set by the institution they are attending. Eight $1,000 scholarships are awarded each year.
Contact
Coast Guard Foundation USAA Enlisted Reserve Scholarship
Commandant (CG-R), Attn: LTJG L. Carsia
U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7721
2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue S.E.
Washington, DC 20593-7721
reservescholarships@uscg.mil
Closing Thoughts
Each year, the costs associated with earning a college degree continue to mount. So it is more vital than ever for military members and their families to take advantage of financial assistance. After all, these scholarships for military members are explicit to honor those who serve. They are specifically for those who have sacrificed themselves in service to the nation.
If you or your loved one are serving in any military branch, these 25 great scholarships for military members can help. Service members and their families can and should use them whenever possible. They are there for you! There are plenty of military family scholarships for military members, spouses, and dependents that can significantly reduce the financial burden of a college education.
Looking for more scholarships for veteran dependents 2022? Check out 25 Great College Scholarships for Veterans.
