There are various Scholarships available for military veterans to help them pursue higher education and achieve their academic goals. These scholarships are often provided by government agencies, private organizations, and educational institutions.
Here are some well-known scholarship programs for military veterans:
Post-9/11 GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Who Is Eligible?: Qualifying veterans can receive payment of the full cost of tuition at in-state, public colleges and universities, a monthly housing allowance, and an annual stipend for books and supplies. These benefits do not expire. Veterans may also qualify to transfer unused benefits to a qualified dependent.
Yellow Ribbon Program: This program is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and allows private institutions of higher learning in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate.
Pat Tillman Foundation Military Scholars Program: This program provides scholarships to veterans and active-duty service members, as well as their spouses, who are pursuing a full-time undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate degree at a U.S. institution.
Who’s eligible? Active-duty personnel, veterans, and their spouses may apply for this scholarship that honors remarkable service members pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree. Selected applicants are recognized as “Pat Tillman Scholars” and invited to professional workshops and trainings. The application includes two essay questions, a character recommendation, and proof of military service. Students must enroll full-time in a degree program and may have their scholarship renewed if they maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and other service requirements.
AMVETS Scholarships: The AMVETS (American Veterans) organization offers various scholarships, including the AMVETS Scholarship for Veterans, the Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship, and others.
Fisher House Foundation Scholarships: Fisher House Foundation offers the Scholarships for Military Children Program, which provides scholarships to the children of military service members.
Who’s eligible? Veterans pursuing a degree related to the entertainment industry may apply for one of two scholarships awarded annually. The application requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, proof of military service, a resume, and transcript
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship: The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) provides scholarships for active-duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans.
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Scholarships: DAV offers scholarships for disabled veterans, their spouses, and their children, including the Jesse Brown Memorial Youth Scholarship Program.
Troops to Teachers Program: This program assists eligible military personnel in transitioning to a career as K-12 school teachers. Financial assistance and bonuses may be available to those who qualify.
Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship Program: This program offers scholarships to Purple Heart recipients, their spouses, and direct descendants.
Who’s eligible? Military personnel wounded or killed due to enemy action qualify for the Purple Heart medal. Recipients may join the Military Order of the Purple Heart and apply for the annual scholarship program to support undergraduate study.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scholarships: The VFW provides various scholarships, including the Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen essay competitions.
Note: Before applying for any scholarship, it’s essential to carefully review the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and deadlines. Additionally, veterans can check with their local veterans’ affairs offices, community organizations, and the financial aid offices of the educational institutions they plan to attend for additional scholarship opportunities.
