Scholarships for Veterans and Military Service Members

According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Department of Education, more than 1.4 million military students were enrolled in college in 2015-16. Many student veterans are the first in their families to attend college — in 2018, 62% of veterans were first-generation college students.

Active-duty members of the nation’s armed services may take advantage of educational benefits to advance their military career or prepare for life after leaving the service. Veterans — individuals who have completed their active-duty service in the military and received their discharge — often seek a college degree to enhance their employment opportunities as they transition to civilian life.

To help cover the costs of college, many military students use veterans’ educational benefits such as the GI Bill®. In the 2015-16 academic year, about 43% of military undergraduates used these benefits. The GI Bill provides 36 months of financial support for tuition and living expenses. This 36-month period is prorated over the course of the academic year, generally amounting to roughly four years of funded postsecondary instruction. However, as military students balance their service or family demands with their education, they may require longer to complete their degree.

Combining support programs like the GI Bill with other military scholarships can help military students achieve their educational goals. Below, you can learn more about active-duty military scholarships, military veteran scholarships, scholarships for veterans with disabilities, military grants, and other resources for military students.

Tuition at a public four-year college or university averaged $10,740 in 2020-21, College Board reported. Students attending private or out-of-state colleges often pay much more. Out-of-state tuition at a public four-year school averaged $27,560 per year, while private nonprofit schools charged an average of $38,070 in 2020-21.

The U.S. Department of Education reports only 43% of military students in undergraduate programs used veterans benefits in 2015-16, and 36% of military students enrolled in graduate programs received veterans educational benefits.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides an annual stipend of $1,000 to pay for books and supplies. But CollegeBoard found that the average full-time student spends $1,298 each year on textbooks and course materials each year.

In addition, students often need a laptop and other computer equipment. While costs vary according to specific computing needs, many laptops cost between $500 and $1,000. Students will also need a reliable internet connection.

While veteran educational benefits provide a housing supplement, called the Basic Housing Allowance (BHA), this payment amount may vary depending on a student’s course load. Veterans may need help with housing expenses during school breaks or if they enroll part-time.

Also, the BHA provides benefits based on the school’s location, the veteran’s military grade, and if they have dependents in their household. However, students attending a school fully online qualify for $871 regardless of where they live. Depending on a student’s specific situation, this allowance may not cover their living expenses.

Individuals leaving the military may qualify for some medical care through the Veterans Administration, especially for any care related to their military service. However, individuals leaving the military with less than 20 years of service do not qualify for TRICARE insurance coverage. Students who do not hold a full-time job may not qualify for healthcare coverage through an employer.

Although military service members and student veterans often face unique financial challenges, there are numerous scholarships and grants available that can help defray costs. These awards can help these students meet their educational goals.

In 2015-16, veterans made up 4.5% of the undergraduate college enrollment, or about 870,000 students. In addition, there were nearly 300,000 active-duty military students and about 30,000 students in the Reserves and National Guard.

Active-duty military students serve full-time in one of the U.S. Armed Services branches. Members of all branches can take advantage of the Military Tuition Assistance Program, which covers tuition expenses up to $250 per credit. Reservists and members of the National Guard can also access this program.

Additionally, active-duty military students and veterans can find scholarships to help cover their college costs. College scholarships may target individuals of a specific branch, require an honorable discharge, and/or include additional eligibility requirements.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, during the 2015-16 academic year, about 26% of undergraduate student veterans reported having a disability. Veterans who suffered an illness or injury connected with their military service may qualify for disability compensation.

This benefit amount can vary depending on the severity of their ongoing medical or mental health conditions. Veterans typically receive a disability rating between 10% and 100% when they leave the service, but they can also apply for benefits if conditions related to their service arise later.

Veterans with disabilities may also qualify for specific scholarships.

Yes. All prospective college students should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. It’s free to complete the FAFSA. The information helps the U.S. Department of Education and your school determine how much financial assistance you need to afford college. You can file your FAFSA beginning Oct. 1 each year. Filing early helps secure financial awards available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Under federal rules, active-duty members of the military and veterans qualify as independent students, even if they are not yet 24 years old. You do not need to include your parent’s financial information.

Active-duty military may qualify for tuition assistance to take college courses. The program caps benefits at $250 per credit hour, up to $4,500 each year, and does not cover books. Students must complete the course with a passing grade or repay any tuition assistance paid on their behalf. The program also will not cover courses students have taken in the past.

You may also be able to find a scholarship that will pay for college, depending on your area of study and your service branch. The U.S. Air Force, for example, offers several healthcare professionals scholarships that cover tuition, books, and a living allowance.

Military grants provide students with financial assistance to pay for school without requiring that money to be paid back. The Federal Pell Grant offers up to $6,495 in federal education assistance for students with financial need. States, individual schools, and nonprofit organizations may also offer grants.

Military grant programs require a student to be an active or former member of the U.S. Armed Services or be a dependent or spouse of military personnel. These financial programs may include monetary awards or tuition waivers that reduce educational costs, such as the Illinois National Guard Grant Program, which provides four years of tuition at eligible schools.

You can use military educational benefits at public or private colleges and universities, but the benefits may not cover the total cost of tuition. The GI Bill caps payments to private or foreign schools at around $26,000 for the 2021-22 academic year. Tuition assistance caps payments at $250 per credit and up to $4,500 per year.

Colleges and universities may take part in the Yellow Ribbon program. Under this voluntary program, schools agree to contribute a portion of the additional cost. Schools may cap participation in the Yellow Ribbon program, so be sure to apply early if you plan to enroll in a private school or out-of-state college.

Yes, several programs provide college benefits for the dependents of veterans with disabilities. Benefits include federal education benefits through the Veterans Administration, state grants and tuition waivers, and veteran scholarships offered by nonprofit organizations.

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program through the VA provides educational benefits to the children of veterans with a service-connected disability or who died on active duty. Children generally must use benefits before they turn 26. The program covers undergraduate and graduate programs, career training, and apprenticeships.

The Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program offers five years of college study to children and dependents of veterans who have a disability rating of 40% or higher (exceptions apply). Students must pursue an undergraduate degree at a state school and be a resident of the state.

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://benefits.va.gov/gibill/index.asp.