Financial Aid for Military & Veterans

Updated September 19, 2023

Active military and veterans pursuing a degree must consider the cost of all education-related expenses, including tuition, books, and materials.

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Since the Post-9/11 GI Bill® went into effect in 2009, more U.S. service members and veterans have begun using their military education benefits, according to the American Council on Education. Service members pursuing higher education must consider the cost of all education-related expenses, including tuition, books, special tools, equipment, and materials. Non-distance learners should also account for gas, tolls, parking, and potential childcare services.

Fortunately, students with a military background have several financial aid opportunities. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers federally funded education assistance to veterans and service members who served after Sept. 10, 2001. Many schools offer tuition assistance programs for military students and their families, such as reduced tuition rates, flexible payment plans, student loans, grants, and veteran college scholarships.

Financial Aid Programs for Military and Veterans

The Montgomery GI Bill®

The Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) is a flexible educational assistance program offered by the U.S. government for veterans with two or more years of military experience.

Post-9/11 GI Bill®

The Post 9/11 GI Bill is an educational assistance program offered by the U.S. government for veterans and qualified dependents of veterans who served after September 10, 2001.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon program was designed to help veterans and qualified dependents pay for tuition that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn't cover. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs matches the amount of funding awarded to a student as determined by the school. Program participation is voluntary for schools, so interested students must make sure their school participates.

National Call to Service

The National Call to Service program is an educational incentive program provided by the U.S. Department of Defense. It has a three-tiered service requirement for eligibility, including a combination of training and active duty service. Qualified students can choose their incentive.

Survivors' and Dependents' Education Assistance

The Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program is an educational assistance program for dependents of veterans who died or went missing in the line of duty, or who became disabled due to injury, capture, or detainment. Students can use this flexible benefit for up to 81 months, depending on circumstances.

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Scholarships for Military and Veterans

Veterans have several scholarship programs to choose from to help fund their college education:

U.S. Army Scholarships

North American Van Lines Military Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The North American Van Lines Military Scholarship awards five veteran college scholarships to active military students pursuing an undergraduate degree in business, logistics, or management. Applicants must submit an essay. – Amount: $1,000

AAAA Scholarship Foundation

Who Can Apply: The Army Aviation Association of America awards scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students who attend accredited educational institutions. Applicants must submit a 300-word essay and have current AAAA membership. – Amount: $1,000

Women In Defense HORIZONS Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The HORIZONS scholarship awards women pursuing careers in business and accounting as it relates to national security and defense. Applicants must submit an essays and letters of recommendation. – Amount: Varies


U.S. Navy Scholarships

eLearners Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Active-duty service members and veterans are encouraged to apply for the eLearners scholarship essay contest. Applicants must submit a 250-word essay about how their military service has enhanced their lives and pursuit of higher education. – Amount: $1,000

Sigma Chi Foundation Military Service Scholarship

Who Can Apply: U.S. Navy members can apply for Sigma Chi Foundation merit-based veteran scholarships for college, available to undergraduate or graduate Sigma Chi fraternity members and pledges. – Amount: $1,000

MAP Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Imagine America Foundation offers need-based educational assistance scholarships for active duty, reservists, and veterans of the U.S. Navy. To apply, students must submit a completed application after watching a video. – Amount: $1,000


U.S. Air Force Scholarships

Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Captain Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship provides graduate education assistance to active duty service members and reservists of the Air Force. Applicants must submit a 600-word essay and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. – Amount: $1,000


U.S. Marine Corps Scholarships

The Robert W. Brunsman Memorial Scholarship

Who Can Apply: U.S. Marines can apply for the Robert W. Brunsman Memorial Scholarship through the International Military Community Executives' Association. Applicants must submit an essay. – Amount: $1,000

WMA Scholarships

Who Can Apply: Women's Marine Association offers multiple veteran scholarships for college for U.S. Marine Corps active duty service members and reservists, and their family members. Students must attend an accredited college, university, or college-level trade school. – Amount: $1,500 or $3,000

Women's Overseas Service League Scholarships

Who Can Apply: This national organization of women who have served overseas awards several veteran college scholarships to women who have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours. Applicants must submit an essay and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. – Amount: $500 or $1,000


National Guard Scholarships

VA-ACME Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: The Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education is a nonprofit organization providing educational support for National Guard members. Applicants must submit a statement of community service and an essay about how the military has influenced their educational goals. – Amount: $1,000

Tillman Scholars

Who Can Apply: The Pat Tillman Foundation offers several veteran scholarships for college to active-duty service members and veterans, including those from the National Guard, through the Tillman Scholars program. Applicants must submit two essays and a character recommendation from a third-party. – Amount: $10,000

ALA Student Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors multiple veteran scholarships and grants for college for wartime veterans and Legion program participants, plus their family members. Awards are based on a mixture of character and leadership skills, plus an essay, financial need, and academic merit. – Amount: $2,000-$5,000


Coast Guard Scholarships

TonaLaw Veterans Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Veterans of the Coast Guard can apply for the TonaLaw scholarship. To be eligible, students must be enrolled at an accredited school. Award recipients are selected by a committee. – Amount: $1,000

Coast Guard Foundation Enlisted Education Scholarships

Who Can Apply: The Coast Guard Foundation offers several veteran scholarships for college to active duty service members, veterans, and their families. Funds can be used to help pay for textbook and other out-of-pocket fees not covered by the GI bill. – Amount: Varies

The Legacy Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: Members of the national guard can apply for a legacy scholarship as alumni of the Staunton Military Academy Alumni Foundation. Applicants must submit a cover letter explaining what the words "Truth, Duty, and Honor" mean to them. – Amount: Minimum of $1,500


Military Families Scholarships

Hope for the Warriors

Who Can Apply: The Hope for the Warriors program is geared towards caregivers and spouses of members of the military. Students must be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a reputable, accredited educational institution. Applicants must submit an essay and complete a questionnaire. – Amount: Varies

Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship Program

Who Can Apply: Wells Fargo offers military veterans and spouses of disabled veterans educational assistance in the form of renewable scholarships. Applicants must be honorably discharged, have a high school diploma or GED certificate and minimum GPA of 2.5. – Amount: Up to $7,000

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation

Who Can Apply: The Dolphin Scholarship Foundation offers competitive grants to spouses, children, and stepchildren of members or former members of the submarine force. Students must attend, undergraduate, trade, or vocational studies. – Amount: $2,000 to $3,400

Resources for Active Military and Veterans

* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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