Even when utilizing the GI Bill, the Yellow Ribbon program and other educational aids, you may still need extra help to cover university expenses. Here are some of the best scholarships you can apply for as a veteran, active-duty service member, military spouse or dependent:
Tillman Scholar Program
- Eligible: Veterans, active duty, military spouses
- Amount: About $10,000
Awarded through the Pat Tillman Foundation, the Tillman Scholar Program strives to recognize outstanding service members, veterans and military spouses pursuing a full course load for an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree. Selected scholars will also receive professional development and mentoring opportunities. Applicants must meet the 3.0 GPA requirement to apply.
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship
- Eligible: Veterans, active duty, National Guard, reservists
- Amount: $2,500
Each year, the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) grants multiple $2,500 scholarships to sophomore- and junior-level college students enrolled in an accredited undergraduate STEM program. Applicants must have served in an overseas contingency operation to apply and meet the 3.0 GPA requirement.
KnowBe4 Military Veterans & Spouses Cybersecurity Scholarship
- Eligible: Veterans, National Guard, reservists, military spouses
- Amount: $10,000
The world’s largest security awareness training company, KnowBe4, offers this scholarship to those wanting to pursue an education in cybersecurity. The funds can be used for tuition, fees, supplies and sometimes on-campus housing. Applicants must be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in cybersecurity, information assurance or a similar field to apply. Other non-veteran-related scholarships are also available through KnowBe4.
Wings Over America Scholarship
- Eligible: Veterans, active duty, enlisted personnel, spouses and dependents of the Navy
- Amount: About $5,000
Specifically tailored to current and former service members of the Navy, the Wings Over America scholarship bestows over 50 scholarships per year, with renewal available for certain awards. Applicants may use these funds for college, university or trade school, but they may not apply if their tuition is already covered by the GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon benefits, their institution or ROTC.
H&P Veterans Helping Veterans Scholarships
- Eligible: Veterans
- Amount: $1,000
Each semester, Hill & Ponton (H&P) Disability Attorneys gifts four $1,000 scholarships to veterans pursuing an education that will aid them in helping other veterans in their future careers. Applicants must provide their DD-214 and submit a 300-word maximum essay describing how they will use their education and funds to better the veteran community.
HCBA Colonel Archer B. Battista Veterans Scholarship
- Eligible: Veterans and active duty
- Amount: $1,000
Students already admitted to an accredited law school and meeting the military status requirements can apply to the HCBA Colonel Archer B. Battista Veterans Scholarship, sponsored by the Hampden County Bar Association. The $1,000 grant is given twice yearly based on merit and financial need.
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarships
- Eligible: Women veterans, active duty, National Guard, reservists and their immediate family members
- Amount: $3,000
The Army Women’s Foundation offers multiple scholarships to qualifying military women and their immediate family members. There are several Legacy Scholarships designed to help applicants at different phases of their education to reach the next stage, along with numerous scholarships for more specific candidates. Applicants must be able to maintain a 2.5-3.0 GPA, show proof of service, write an essay and provide two recommendations to be considered.
Fleet Reserve Association Scholarship
- Eligible: Veterans and active-duty members of the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard; spouses, parents, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of those in good standing with the three branches
- Amount: Up to $5,000
The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation offers up to $5,000 to numerous students directly connected to the Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard. Recipients must be U.S. citizens and full-time students at an accredited college, university or trade school. You do not have to be a member of the FRA Education Foundation to apply or even receive a scholarship, but it is highly recommended.
Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy Memorial Award
- Eligible: Purple Heart recipients, Purple Heart spouses, children and grandchildren of Purple Heart recipients
- Amount: Varies
The Navy SEAL LT Michael Murphy Memorial Award is a scholarship given annually by the Purple Heart Scholarship Program to at least one individual. In addition to having the correct Purple Heart status or familial status, applicants must enroll in the Military Order of the Purple Heart, maintain a 2.75 GPA or higher and be a full-time student at a university, college or trade school. Scholarship amounts vary depending on the year’s funds.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program
- Eligible: Paralyzed Veterans of America members and their immediate family members
- Amount: $1,000-$2,500
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans with spinal cord injuries and diseases. In one of the many ways it supports its members, the PVA awards its scholarship to numerous applicants within their organization each year. Full-time students who receive the scholarship will be granted $2,500, while part-time students will receive $1,000. You or your immediate family member must have served in the U.S. armed services and become a member of the organization to be eligible.
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