Let’s be real—college is expensive. But if you or a family member has served in the military, there’s some good news: a ton of scholarships are out there just waiting to be claimed! Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a military spouse or dependent, there’s likely a scholarship with your name on it. The trick? Knowing where to find them and how to apply.
Step 1: Know What You’re Eligible For
Before you dive headfirst into applications, take a moment to figure out which scholarships you qualify for. There are military scholarships for:
✅ Active-duty service members – Some scholarships help military personnel further their education while still serving.
✅ Veterans – Many programs support those transitioning out of the military and into civilian careers.
✅ Military spouses – If your partner is serving, there are scholarships to help you get your degree.
✅ Children of service members – If your parent has served, you could qualify for financial aid to help with tuition.
Some scholarships are branch-specific (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.), while others are open to all military-affiliated individuals.
Step 2: Start Your Scholarship Search
Now that you know what you’re looking for, where do you actually find these scholarships? Here are some of the best places to start:
🔍 Military and VA websites – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and each military branch have education assistance programs listed on their websites.
🎓 Organizations that support military families – Groups like AMVETS, the Pat Tillman Foundation, and the Fisher House Foundation offer scholarships.
💻 Online scholarship databases – Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and College Board’s Scholarship Search let you filter results by military affiliation.
🏫 Your school’s financial aid office – Many colleges have special scholarships for military students, so check with your school directly.
Step 3: Gather Your Application Materials
Military scholarships often require more than just filling out a form. Be ready to submit:
📜 Proof of military service – This could be a DD-214 form (for veterans), military ID, or a letter from a commanding officer.
📄 Transcripts – Some scholarships require a minimum GPA, so have your academic records ready.
📝 An essay – Many scholarships ask you to write about your military experience, your career goals, or why you deserve the scholarship.
📌 Letters of recommendation – These could come from teachers, military supervisors, or mentors.
Step 4: Apply, Apply, Apply!
Here’s the thing—scholarships are competitive, so don’t just apply for one and hope for the best. Apply to as many as you qualify for! Even smaller awards can add up and help with tuition, books, or living expenses.
Pay close attention to deadlines, and if a scholarship requires an essay, take your time to make it great. A well-written essay can set you apart from other applicants.
Step 5: Follow Up and Stay Persistent
After applying, keep track of deadlines and responses. Some scholarships require interviews, so be prepared to talk about your background and goals. And if you don’t win one? Don’t get discouraged! Keep looking, applying, and improving your applications.
Military scholarships are an amazing way to make higher education more affordable. The key is to start early, apply to multiple opportunities, and put effort into each application. If you’re willing to put in the work, you could land free money for school—and who doesn’t love that?
Now, time to get searching! 🚀
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
