Scholarship Programs for Veterans
Serving Those That Have Served Their Country
Veterans: no need to go hungry financing college. Whether you want to finish a program you started, get a two-year professional degree from a community college or technical school, or ride higher education all the way to a PhD, the money is available to you: veterans, current military personnel, and your families. Much of this assistance is in the form of scholarships. This is how we begin to say, “Thanks.”
Your Federal Programs are the Starting Point for College Funding
You’ll find that some scholarships also require you be eligible for federal programs as well, such as DANTES, the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance (TA) Program, and the Montgomery GI Bill. All applicants must be prepared to show documentation of a record of service for themselves or their family member in order to qualify. These programs alone offer robust funding. Use them as primary sources.
Nationally Available Veterans Scholarships
Outside your rightful federally funded programs, there are a slew of scholarships from all sorts of national organizations. This is just the tip of the iceberg:
- Disabled veterans may qualify for one of several scholarship programs offered by the Department of Defense. Program names may change, as well as the guidelines for application and qualification; but current information may be found at the Department of Defense website.
- The Military Officer's Association of America (MOAA) offers various scholarships and other financial aid programs for veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families. Applicants need only fill out one application in order to be considered for all of MOAA’s financial aid programs. Eligibility requirements, deadlines, and other details of application vary amongst the programs.
- Veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom are eligible for the Horatio Alger Military Scholarship provided: they are enrolling in a four-year degree and can demonstrate financial need.
- The very well known Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) funds a very generous program: the VFW Military Scholarships. Applicants must be VFW members, either currently serving in the military or a veteran. Veteran applicants must apply within 36 months of discharge to be eligible. There are 25-$3,000 awards doled out each year. Get one.
Dependents of Veterans or Military Personnel
Students, if you are a dependent of a veteran your scholarship search must include this aspect. If not you are missing the boat on millions of dollars in aid. Here are a couple examples:
- The American Patriot Freedom Scholarship is an annual essay contest open to children of active military or veterans.
- The Army Emergency Relief Fund sponsors the MG James Ursano Scholarship Program for Dependent Children. Its aim Its to give student dependents of active or retired military, a fighting chance financially in college.
Veterans Scholarships From Colleges and Universities
Patriotism is alive and well and many colleges and universities go out of their way to offer exclusive scholarships for military personnel, veterans, and their families.
- Michigan State University lists a plethora of scholarships available for veterans, their children, active-duty personnel, and other military-related individuals. The requirements of eligibility vary amongst the available scholarships, but most veterans should be able to find at least one scholarship they may apply for.
- Veterans, current servicemen and women, and their family members may qualify for scholarship programs established through Grantham University. The scholarships honor those who have served in any branch of the United States Armed Forces. Requirements vary among awards: the Military Education Scholarship for Veterans; the Military Education Scholarship for Service Members; the Military Education Scholarship for Family Members; and the Military Severely Injured Scholarship.
- The University of Idaho’s Operation: Education boasts the first veterans’ scholarship to cover all college and a generous stash of living expenses. The program, extended to veterans and spouses, not only covers tuition, fees, and books; but also provides for other expenses such as housing, daycare, transportation, and medical help. Named Operation Education, the applicant must have sustained a serious and permanent injury during the War on Terrorism or must be the spouse of such a person. Idaho residents are given priority.
- De Anza College Scholarships for Veterans are awarded to military vets seeking degrees in business, engineering, medicine, science, or technology. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, as well as have and maintain an enrollment of at least 6 credits per quarter. Financial need is a requirement. All applicants must have sustained an injury in combat or served in a combat zone. Awards are $2,000.
