Pursuing higher education after military service—or while actively serving—is a smart move for long-term career advancement. Fortunately, veterans, active-duty personnel, spouses, and dependents in the United States are eligible for numerous scholarships, many of which cover full tuition and related expenses. These funding options reduce financial burdens and acknowledge the service and sacrifice made by military families.
In this guide, you’ll find the top military and veteran scholarships in the U.S., categorized by eligibility, service branch, and academic goal. We’ll also cover supplemental programs, education benefits, and support services that ensure veterans and their families get the education they deserve.
2. Why Military & Veteran Scholarships Matter
Military and veteran scholarships are more than just financial aid—they are recognition of dedication, resilience, and patriotism. With rising college tuition and living costs, these scholarships are essential to:
- Transitioning smoothly to civilian life
- Reducing dependence on loans
- Accessing top-tier universities
- Supporting family members of service members
Many programs are tailored specifically for veterans looking to pivot to civilian careers, especially in high-demand fields like engineering, cybersecurity, nursing, and business administration.
3. Top National Military Scholarships (Fully Funded & High-Value)
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses
- Coverage: Full tuition + leadership training + networking support
- Competitive Edge: Highly prestigious; requires strong leadership track record
AMVETS National Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Veterans, active-duty, Guard/Reserve, and their children/grandchildren
- Award: $1,000–$12,000 depending on need and merit
- Deadline: Annually in April
VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship”
- Eligibility: Active-duty or veteran U.S. service members
- Award: Up to $5,000 per semester
- Note: Funds used for tuition and fees only
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship
- Eligibility: Honorably discharged veterans pursuing STEM degrees
- Award: $2,500–$5,000
- Field-Specific: Targets IT, cybersecurity, and electronics
American Legion Auxiliary Scholarships
- Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of veterans
- Types: Multiple programs, including the Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
- Award: Up to $5,000 annually
4. Scholarships by Military Branch
U.S. Army
- Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship: For female soldiers and their descendants. Offers $1,000–$2,500 for college or certificate programs.
- MG James Ursano Scholarship: For dependent children of Army soldiers; based on financial need.
U.S. Navy & Marine Corps
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Program: Offers interest-free loans and grants to Navy and Marine families.
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: For children of active-duty/reserve Marines; awards based on financial need.
U.S. Air Force
- Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant: Up to $2,000 per academic year; open to dependents of Air Force members.
- Scholarships for Air Force ROTC Cadets: Covers tuition, books, and monthly stipend.
U.S. Coast Guard
- Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships: For children of enlisted Coast Guard personnel.
- Foster Family Scholarship: Focused on dependents in Coast Guard foster care situations.
5. Spouse and Dependent Scholarships
Military spouses and dependents have unique challenges—and their own scholarship pathways:
MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)
- Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty service members (E1-E5, W1-W2, O1-O2)
- Coverage: Up to $4,000 for associate degrees or certificates
- Note: Ideal for short-term, portable careers (e.g., healthcare, tech)
ThanksUSA Scholarship Program
- Eligibility: Military spouses and dependents
- Award: $3,000 annually
- Note: Focuses on need-based funding
National Military Family Association Scholarships
- For: Spouses pursuing degrees, licensure, or certifications
- Award: Varies; includes childcare and career support stipends
6. Educational Support Beyond Scholarships
Many veterans rely on more than just scholarships to fund their education. Consider layering these benefits:
GI Bill® (Post-9/11)
- Coverage: Tuition, housing, books, and fees
- Transferable: Can be transferred to spouse or children
Yellow Ribbon Program
- Supplemental: Fills the gap where GI Bill ends
- Partner Schools: Over 1,800 institutions participate
Tuition Assistance (TA)
- For: Active-duty service members
- Limit: Up to $4,500 annually for tuition
FAFSA + Pell Grants
- Recommended: Complete FAFSA to unlock additional need-based aid
7. Online & Career-Focused Education Programs for Veterans
Online programs provide flexibility and career alignment for veterans:
- SNHU (Southern New Hampshire University): Offers military tuition discounts and credit for service
- University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC): Career-ready degrees, military support staff
- Liberty University: Offers free evaluation of military training for academic credit
- Western Governors University (WGU): Flat-rate tuition, flexible pacing, and scholarships
Many coding bootcamps also provide full scholarships or discounts to veterans, including:
- Vets Who Code
- Code Platoon
- Galvanize’s Operation Level Up
8. How to Maximize Your Application Success
To increase your odds of receiving a scholarship:
- Start Early: Many military scholarships have early deadlines
- Gather DD-214: Proof of service is typically required
- Prepare a Strong Essay: Share your story, goals, and how service shaped your education path
- Get Letters of Recommendation: From commanders, mentors, or instructors
- Leverage Support Centers: Use Veteran Resource Centers at colleges for help
9. Final Thoughts
Military and veteran scholarships are vital tools that unlock educational and professional opportunities for those who’ve served. By combining scholarships, military education benefits, and specialized support services, veterans and their families can graduate debt-free and career-ready.
If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or part of a military family—start your scholarship search now. Your service has earned it.
