Our Guide to Military Scholarships for Veterans, Dependents, and Spouses

Updated on September 30th, 2021

While military servicemembers often get access to GI Bill benefits, that isn’t the only form of financial aid available. Not only are there military scholarships for active duty and veterans, but there are also a ton available to spouses, children, and even grandchildren.

If you want to learn how to find opportunities including and beyond free ride scholarships, join our free webinar! You’ll learn more about the search process, applications, and more, increasing the odds your student can graduate debt-free. Head to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to see when the next training session is available.

 

Scholarships for Veterans and Their Families

Veterans and their family members may be eligible for a wide variety of college scholarships. These can supplement other funding, like GI Bill educational assistance, Pell Grants, or other scholarships, making college more affordable.

Some awards are only available to veterans while others are open only to their family members.

 

 

Veteran Scholarships

Military veteran scholarships are a great option for any former military member, including those who did and did not reach official retirement age. Often, the primary qualification is either an honorable discharge or anything other than a dishonorable discharge, though some may require a certain amount of service time.

Here is a list of scholarships for veterans:

• AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
• AMVETS Scholarship
• AWFDN Legacy Scholarship Program
• FRA Education Foundation Scholarships
• VFW Scholarship

It’s also important to note that each organization can set additional requirements. For example, some of these military scholarships for veterans may only be open to people who served in particular branches or units, or during specific periods.

Grants for Veterans

Grants for veterans function a lot like scholarships. The money does not have to be repaid, making it a great option to make college more affordable.

However, grants aren’t as widely available. Here is one option veterans can explore:

• Imagine America Foundation

Scholarships for Veterans Dependents

Dependents of veterans can also find scholarships. These may be open to the children of veterans, veteran’s spouses, or even their grandchildren.

Scholarships for Children of Veterans

• AMVETS Scholarship (also open to grandchildren of veterans
• AWFDN Legacy Scholarship Program
• CPOSF Scholarship Program
• FRA Education Foundation Scholarships (also open to grandchildren and great-grandchildren)
• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
• Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarships (also open to grandchildren)

Scholarship for Veterans Spouses

• CPOSF Scholarship Program
• FRA Education Foundation Scholarships

Active Duty Military Scholarships

Certain military scholarships are open to active duty service members. These options are ideal for military personnel who want to further their education while they are serving their country.

Here is a list of active-duty military scholarships:

• AFCEA War Veterans Scholarships
• AMVETS Scholarship
• Army Green to Gold Active Duty Scholarship Option
• AWFDN Legacy Scholarship Program
• Enlisted Airmen ASCP & SOAR Program
• FRA Education Foundation Scholarships
• Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship Program
• VFW Scholarship

It’s important to note there are additional requirements beyond being active duty. For example, some military scholarships are affiliated with specific branches, units, or college majors.

Grants for Active Duty Servicemembers

Active duty military personnel can also benefit from college grants. These aren’t as plentiful as scholarships, but that does not mean it isn’t worth exploring.

Here is one great place to start:

• Imagine America Foundation

Military Dependent Scholarships

Collectively, the spouses and children of military personnel are known as dependents. However, they don’t always have access to the same scholarship opportunities.

Scholarships for Military Children (Active Duty and Retired)

Students who are the child or grandchild of an active duty or retired servicemember may benefit from a variety of scholarships for military children. While each has its own requirements, many of them are open to practically any dependent child.

Here is a list of scholarships for military children:

• AFAS Merit Scholarship
• American Legion Legacy Scholarship
• AWFDN Legacy Scholarship Program
• CPOSF Scholarship Program
• Dolphin Scholarship Fund
• Fisher House Foundation Scholarships
• FRA Education Foundation Scholarships (also open to grandchildren and great-grandchildren)
• Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund (for military children of an active duty service member who was killed or permanently disabled while on an operational mission or during training)
• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
• MOAA Scholarship Fund
• Samsung American Legion Scholarship (also offers scholarships for grandchildren of veterans)
• Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarships (also open to grandchildren)

 

Military Spouse Scholarships

Military spouse scholarships target the men and women who love and support a servicemember. They are designed to make college more affordable and may be less competitive since fewer people are eligible.

Here is a list of military spouse scholarships:

• AFAS Merit Scholarship
• CPOSF Scholarship Program
• FRA Education Foundation Scholarships
• Hope for the Warriors Military Spouse Scholarships (must be the spouse of a military service member who was injured or killed while performing their duties)
• National Military Family Association Spouse Scholarships

Fellowships and Grants for Military Dependents

In some cases, military dependents can also qualify for grants. Here are some grants for military spouses and children that are worth exploring:

• General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
• FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship
• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (must complete a FAFSA and be the child of a fallen service member)
• NMCRS Education Grants

Other Scholarship Options

Veterans, active-duty military, and their families aren’t limited to the scholarships above. In fact, there are tons more available.

For example, there are scholarships for STEM students, scholarships for women, scholarships for minorities, and many awards that are open to almost anyone who is heading to or already in college.

If you want to discover how to find more scholarships or other awards and opportunities that can help your student graduate debt-free, then join our free webinar! You’ll learn a bunch about the scholarship process, including how to find scholarships, organize documentation, fill out applications, write winning essays, and more. Take a trip to https://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to find out when the next training session is available.