Scholarships save many students from thousands of dollars of debt; and many are available to military families. Credit: Plymouth College of the Arts.
With fall quarter underway, it’s important to remember that financial assistance is available. For military families especially, there are many options to help with the rising costs of college tuition.
The U.S. Census Bureau announced in 2022 that there are 17.3 million students enrolled in U.S. colleges. This number is higher than the 15.3 million students who enrolled in fall 2000, but lower than the 21 million students who attended school in fall 2010.
The point is: There are a lot of college students out there. About two-thirds of them accept financial aid in the form of grants or federal loans, and even more need it. Trying to balance living expenses with tuition, textbooks, and rigorous courses can deter a lot of people from going to school at all; which is why there are so many helpful resources for students.
Whether you’ve personally served, or are close to someone who has made that commitment, you are most likely eligible for some type of tuition assistance.
Here’s a list of 10 great scholarships for military members, veterans, retirees, and their family members.
Scholarships For Military
1. The OurMilitary.com Bi-Annual Veteran Recognition Scholarship
Fall Application deadline: Nov. 1, 2022
This is a $1,000 scholarship available to active service members, veterans, retirees, spouses, and their children. Yes, that includes National Guard and Reservists! Click the link for application details… but really, all you need to do is tell us about you and what has inspired you to pursue an education. Good luck!
In case you miss the Fall deadline: Spring 2023 applications open on Nov. 2.
2. American Legion Scholarships
Application deadline: March 1, 2023
If you are a member of The American Legion, you could be eligible for one of their scholarships.
The Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students, who are going to college later in life, or whose education was interrupted and they’re starting again – $2,000
The Spirit of Youth Scholarship for Junior American Legion members – $5,000
The Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship for children of veterans – $5,000
Visit each link for additional scholarship and application details.
3. Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Education Fund
Application deadline: March 31, 2023
Are you going to nursing school? If you are affiliated with the Army (soldier, veteran, spouse, child, etc.) and are enrolled in school for a nursing practice, this $3,000 scholarship might be for you.
4. Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarships
Application deadline: Jan. 20, 2023
Female soldiers (Army), veterans, or their direct descendants are eligible for this $3,000 scholarship. It assists with certificate programs, community college, undergraduate, and graduate degrees.
5. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Application deadline: March 1, 2023
Listen up, USMC kids: This whopping $40,000 scholarship is aimed at you. You’re eligible if your parent is an active or Reserve Marine, a Veteran with an honorable discharge, a Veteran killed in combat, or an active/Reserve Navy Corpsman who served in a Marine unit.
6. Military Child of the Year Award
Nomination deadline: Dec. 9, 2022
Six military kids between the ages of 13 and 18 are awarded scholarships every year. All you need to be is a military child who is available to travel to D.C. with your guardian to accept the award. They look for “volunteerism, leadership, extracurricular involvement, and other criteria while facing the challenges of military family life.” A seventh child will be selected for ‘Military Child of the Year’ based upon their solution to a local, regional, or global challenge.
7. Tillman Scholars Program
Application deadline: Feb. 28, 2023
This $10,000 scholarship is for students pursuing their undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree. It’s available to any active service member or Veteran, as well as their spouses (and surviving spouses). The money can go toward tuition, books, and living expenses.
8. Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
Application deadline: Unknown
The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund is currently accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year. Applicants must be under 26, and the child of a U.S. service member who was killed, permanently disabled in combat or training, POW/MIA, or awarded a high-level service member. Amounts vary, but recipients can be awarded as much as $25,000! Follow the link for more details.
9. Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver Scholarships
Application deadline: Apr. 30, 2023
Hope for the Warriors gives various scholarships to post-9/11 military spouses and caregivers for their strength and resilience. These scholarships include assistance with undergraduate and graduate degrees, entry level classes or training, and a specific scholarship for spouses of fallen service members.
10. Imagine America’s Military Award Program
Application deadline: Unknown
Out of all these scholarships for military members, this is the only one for trade skills. Imagine America offers tuition money to active service members, Reservists, honorably discharged Veterans, and military retirees; it goes toward trade school or technical college, for real-world career training. The award money is listed at $1,000, and though you need to be a member to apply, it’s at no cost to you.
