27 Scholarship Opportunities for Military-Connected Students

Scholarships are available for service members, veterans and their family members from a variety of organizations.

The average college education costs between $10,000 and $40,000 annually in the United States, making it an expensive investment. Even with 36 months of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®️, most military-connected students will still have at least one semester to pay for out of pocket. After exhausting your benefits, check out this list of scholarship options.

Applying for scholarships requires time and effort. Many applications require an essay or a personal statement. Spending a few hours a semester applying for scholarships is an excellent return on investment. You are much more likely to receive one than if you don't apply, and you're also learning valuable skills like introducing yourself, filling out applications and possibly an interview. 

Scholarship Resources & Databases

These websites have lists of scholarships for military-connected students. Make sure you read the eligibility requirements and deadlines carefully to see what you might want to apply for.

• Student Veterans of America

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

• Military Family Member Scholarships

Scholarships for Women Veterans

• Army Women's Foundation Legacy Scholarship – for Army veterans, active-duty or their direct descendent

• Women's Overseas Service League

Scholarships for Veterans

• Pat Tillman Foundation Scholars – for veterans, spouses and service members

• Wells Fargo Veterans Scholarship & Emergency Grant Program

• Thanks USA Scholarship

• Army Aviation Association of America – open to members and their families

• AMVETS Scholarship

Related: 10 Scholarship Tips for Student Veterans

• Council of College and Military Educators – service members, veterans and their families

• Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship – also open to immediate family members

• Pro Vets Memorial Scholarship

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Sports Clips Help A Hero Scholarship

• Veterans United Foundation Scholarship – for veterans and surviving dependents

• Wisconsin GI Bill®️ – this is separate from your Post-9/11 GI Bill®️ and is open to dependents

Scholarships for Military Dependents

• Fisher House

• Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund – for spouses and children of Chief Petty Officers

• Fisher House - Heroes' Legacy Scholarships

• AMVETS – offers scholarships for one military spouse and four military children and grandchildren

Related: How the Yellow Ribbon Program Can Help Veterans

• The Enlisted Association - Memorial Scholarship Application for children or grandchildren of a member in good standing

• National Military Family Association

• Hope for the Warriors – Military Spouse and Caregivers Scholarships

• Army Emergency Relief

• Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

• Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society

• *Many installation spouses' clubs and thrift shops offer scholarships for military dependents.

• Learn more about GI Bill® benefits and other resources available to veterans and military-connected students.