Military Children Scholarships
College Funding Assistance Comes from State Programs
The children of military personnel have a wide range of scholarships and other free tuition programs available to them. The eligibility criteria vary amongst the programs, as do the awards given. It is important to be familiar with all of the application and qualification information in order to receive consideration.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships for Military Children Program
Children of military personnel may apply for the Military Children Scholarship Program if they have a military dependant I.D. card. The military parent may be active-duty, retired, reserve/guard, or deceased. Full-time attendance at a college or university is required. The child must be under the age of 21. Recipients of this award may reapply for the scholarship each year. Read more.
Iowa War Orphans Scholarship
Those children of military personnel who died in the line of duty during the following time periods may be eligible for the Iowa War Orphans Scholarship Program: April 6, 1917 to June 2, 1921; September 16, 1940 to December 31, 1946; June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955; August 5, 1964 to May 7, 1975; or on August 2, 1990. Applicant must also have been an Iowa resident for at least 2 years. The amount of the award will not exceed $600 per year. Students may reapply, but will not qualify for more than $3,000 total in assistance. Age and income are not a consideration.
Minnesota State Children of Deceased Veterans Program
Tuition-free status at all campuses except the University of Minnesota will be granted to all applicants who qualify for this program. An extra $350 annually is also available to the applicant to help with other school-related costs from the Minnesota State War Orphans Education Program. The applicant must be the child of a deceased member of the armed forces who was a resident of Minnesota at the start of their active duty status. The applicant must also be a resident of Minnesota for at least two years prior to application.
Montana State Children of Deceased Veterans Program
Surviving children of veterans of World War II, Korea, or Vietnam may qualify for this war orphans educational program offered by Montana State. The assistance is in the form of tuition waivers, only available at select Montana Schools. Additional information and applications must be obtained from the specific school the applicant wishes to attend.
South Dakota War Orphans Tuition Assistance Program
Children of those armed forces members killed in the line of duty may qualify for this free tuition program offered by the state of South Dakota. The child must be under 25 years of age, and must be a South Dakota resident. The parent must have been a resident for at least 6 months prior to their entry into active duty service. Applications and more information may be obtained from the Division of Veteran’s Affairs.
Texas Air National Guard and National Guard Orphans
Children of deceased Texas Air National Guard and National Guard members may qualify for free tuition through Texas’s Hazelwood Act. Continuing education courses may be included in the program by the school. Interested applicants can apply through the Financial Aid Office of the Texas school of their choice.
