Scholarships for Military-Connected Students
Military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members, and military dependents, have access to specialized scholarship opportunities beyond standard government education benefits. These programs recognize the unique challenges faced by military families including frequent relocations and service-related hardships. Such scholarships aim to honor service while creating educational pathways for military community members.
Financial Support Beyond the GI Bill
Military-affiliated organizations like the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and AMVETS offer scholarships for veterans, active-duty personnel, and their family members. The Military Officers Association of America, Navy League, and similar branch-specific associations maintain substantial scholarship funds for dependents of service members. Many colleges have established institution-specific military scholarships supplementing federal benefits like the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance Program. The Fry Scholarship and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program provide substantial support for dependents of service members who died or were disabled in the line of duty. Corporate-sponsored programs from companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and USAA offer scholarships specifically for military community members. Professional associations in fields with strong military connections, including aerospace, cybersecurity, and healthcare, have created scholarship opportunities for veterans transitioning to these careers. Military spouse scholarships from organizations like the National Military Family Association support education for partners who often sacrifice their own career advancement due to service-related relocations.
Navigating Military Education Benefits
Work with school certifying officials and veteran service officers to ensure proper certification and maximum utilization of federal education benefits before seeking supplemental scholarships. Research Yellow Ribbon Program participation at prospective schools, which can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for eligible GI Bill users. Consider schools with strong veteran support services, credit for military training, and policies accommodating deployment or permanent change of station orders. Maintain documentation of military service, including DD-214 forms and other records that may be required for scholarship eligibility verification.