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There are numerous financial aid opportunities for individuals who have served in the United States military and wish to pursue further education. Regardless of branch, these brave men and women can receive significant support for future academic pursuits of any kind. In addition to GI Bill benefits, veterans also have access to various loans, grants, and scholarships. Of these assistance options, grants and scholarships are by far the most appealing. This is because scholarships for veterans are fairly easy to apply for and, unlike loans, do not require repayment.

Scholarships for veterans are often funded by the Federal Government, but there are many public and private military associations, academic institutions, and individual donors that offer these opportunities as well. These organizations have remained consistently dedicated to providing support and assistance to veterans who are intent on advancing their education. Additionally, this type of aid helps returning veterans remain relevant in an ever-changing professional landscape, as well as personally successful while readjusting to being home.

While the requirements and award amounts vary significantly, there is a wide assortment of scholarship opportunities available to those who are retired or have been honorably discharged from military service. The following prospects represent only a small sampling of the fantastic financial aid prospects offered in order to help veterans find the right degree and career path that fits them.

Ways to Help You Pay for Your College Tuition

Veterans Scholarships

  • Sergeant Major Douglas R. Drum Collegiate Scholarship
    Amount: $1,000, $2,500, or $5,000
    Deadline: March 1

    The Sergeant Major Douglas R. Drum Collegiate Scholarship is funded by the American Military Retirees Foundation. It was developed to honor Sergeant Major Douglas R. Drum, who was passionate about education. A total of 24 scholarships are awarded each year, half for incoming college freshmen and half for returning college students. Military dependents and veterans may apply for a scholarship to attend a two-year or four-year accredited college or university and must be used to pay for tuition and books.

  • Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship
    Amount: $10,000
    Deadline: November 1

    The Google Student Veterans of America Scholarship is funded by Google and Student Veterans of America. It was developed to demonstrate the organization’s commitment to military veterans and is available to student veterans pursuing degrees in computer science. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year, and all recipients are also invited to attend the Google Scholars’ Retreat. Applicants must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student at a college or university or plan to enroll for the following academic year.

  • Army Nurse Corps Association’s Scholarship Program
    Amount: Varies
    Deadline: March 30

    The Army Nurse Corps Association’s (ANCAs) Scholarship Program is funded by the ANCA. It was developed to support students pursuing a nursing education in an accredited undergraduate or graduate nursing or anesthesia program. Multiple scholarships are awarded to current military or veteran students not currently receiving funding by a component of the US Army. Individuals may apply for aid if their parent(s), spouse, or child(ren) have current or previous service in the US Army.

  • Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
    Amount: Up to $50,000
    Deadline: April 12

    The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship is funded by financial contributions from the employees who work for Veterans United Home Loans. It was developed to create opportunities for veterans to achieve their educational goals. Up to 10, one-time scholarships are awarded each year to students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an associate, bachelor, graduate, post-graduate, or doctoral degree program. Recipients must demonstrate financial need and provide a typed essay, as well as other additional information regarding extracurricular involvement and activities.

  • Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship
    Amount: Up to $5,000
    Deadline: April 30 and November 15

    The Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship is funded by Veterans of Foreign Wars. It was developed to provide current military members and veterans with financial assistance to meet educational goals. Multiple scholarships are awarded to qualified applicants each year, but scholarships are limited to one per family per semester. Applicants must have completed basic training and follow-up training. They must also hold or have held a military rank of E-5 or below and demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

  • National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation Military Scholarship
    Amount: $8,000
    Deadline: July 31

    The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF) Military Scholarship is funded by the NBCCF. It was developed to help military service members, veterans, and their spouses pursue careers in professional counseling. The foundation hopes to increase the number of counselors available to serve military personnel and their families. A total of five scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants must be enrolled in a CACREP-accredited counseling master's program.

  • H&P Veterans Helping Veterans Scholarship
    Amount: $1,000
    Deadline: May 1, November 1

    The H&P Veterans Helping Veterans Scholarship is funded by Hill & Ponton Disability Attorneys. It was developed to honor veterans and help them further their education. The office expects graduates to choose career fields that will help other veterans in the future. A total of four scholarships are awarded each year, two in the fall and two in the spring. Applicants must provide a 300-word personal statement on how they plan to use their education to help other veterans.

  • American Veterans (AMVETS) Scholarship
    Amount: $4,000 (Over 4 Years)
    Deadline: April 30

    The American Veterans Scholarship is funded by AMVETS. It was developed to provide education assistance to veterans, active duty military members, and guard/reserves members. A total of three scholarships are awarded each year. Recipients will be awarded $1,000 annually over four years.

  • Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship
    Amount: $12,000
    Deadline: April 30

    The Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship is funded by AMVETS. It was named in memory and honor of Dr. Aurelio M. Coccomo, a physician who served in the Special Forces. The scholarship was developed to provide education assistance to veterans, active duty military members, and guard/reserves members. A total of two scholarships are awarded each year. Recipients will be awarded $3,000 annually over four years.

  • Military Scholarship
    Amount: Up to $1,000
    Deadline: July 15

    The Military Scholarship is funded by Ankin Law Office. It was developed to recognize the sacrifices made by United States veterans and their families. A total of one scholarship is awarded each year, with hopes that the funds will help the recipient transition to a civilian career. Military veterans and their immediate family members may apply for the scholarship, which must be used to enroll full-time in an accredited community college or university vocational program. The funds are provided for tuition and books only.

  • Legacy Scholarship
    Amount: $1,000 - $2,500
    Deadline: January 9

    The Legacy Scholarship Program is funded by the Army Women’s Foundation. It was developed to recognize the importance of education and the role it plays in personal and professional development. The foundation is dedicated to providing financial aid to active duty and veteran women soldiers, as well as their descendants. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year, half for community college and certification degree programs and half for college, undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

  • Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) War Veterans Scholarship
    Amount: $2,500
    Deadline: November 15

    The Armed Forces Communication & Electronics Association (AFCEA) War Veterans Scholarship is funded by the AFCEA Education Foundation, specifically the AFCEA’s Northern Virginia Chapter. It was developed to provide academic support to United States military personnel. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year to active duty and honorably discharged veterans who deployed abroad in support of one of the Overseas Contingency Operations. Online programs affiliated with major colleges and universities are acceptable.

  • Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation Scholarship
    Amount: Up to $5,000
    Deadline: April 15

    The Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation Scholarship is funded by the FRA. It was developed to provide educational support to service members, veterans, and their families. Multiple scholarships are awarded each year, with approximately $100,000 in aid awarded to recipients all together. Applicants are assessed based on financial need, academic standing, character, and leadership qualities.

  • Tillman Scholars Program
    Amount: $10,000
    Deadline: February 28

    The Tillman Scholars Program is funded by the Pat Tillman Foundation and is the premier academic fellowship for military service members, veterans, and spouses. Tillman Scholars are selected based on service, scholarship, humble leadership, and impact. All active duty service members, veterans, and current spouses are eligible to apply. Financial aid awards can be renewed each year as long as scholars meet the expected graduation date, can prove full-time student status, engage with the Tillman Scholar community, document service participation, and can account for all of the scholarship funds.

  • Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Veteran Scholarship
    Amount: $1,000
    Deadline: October 31

    The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Veterans Scholarship is funded by CCME. It was developed to provide financial assistance to United States service member veterans who are working toward completing a higher education degree. A total of five scholarships are awarded each year to individuals currently enrolled in a nationally or regionally accredited institution. This scholarship is available only to first-time associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degree seekers. An unofficial college or university transcript and two letters of recommendation must be submitted with the online application.

  • Keller Law Offices Annual Scholarship for Military Veterans
    Amount: $1,000
    Deadline: July 15

    The Keller Law Offices Annual Scholarship for Military Veterans is funded by Keller Law Offices. It was developed to honor the men and women in the United States military who put their lives on hold to serve their country. One scholarship will be awarded to a veteran or an immediate family member each year. All applicants must write a 500-word essay using the provided prompts. Recipients must provide proof of military service, as well as an honorable discharge.

  • Raytheon Patriot Scholarship
    Amount: $10,000
    Deadline: April 26

    The Raytheon Patriot Scholarship is funded by the Student Veterans of America and Raytheon. It was developed to provide financial assistance to United States Army student veterans who are committed to, and passionate about, their chosen field of study. Applicants must also demonstrate leadership and community engagement. A total of two scholarships are awarded each year. Applicants must fill out an application online, as well as completing a 300-500 word essay, resume, unofficial transcript, Certificate of Discharge, and a letter of reference.

  • Paralyzed Veterans’ Educational Scholarship
    Amount: $1,000
    Deadline: June 17

    The Paralyzed Veteran’s Education Scholarship is funded by Paralyzed Veterans of America. It was developed to assist paralyzed veterans’ members and their immediate family members. Multiple qualified applicants receive a scholarship each year, with a total of approximately $10,000 in financial aid awarded.

  • Sarah A. Bonnifield Vietnam Veterans Scholarship
    Amount: $1,000
    Deadline: Varies (Previously March 8)

    The Sarah A. Bonnifield Vietnam Veterans Scholarship is funded by Sara Bonnifield’s personal estate. It was developed to honor Sarah’s memory by providing financial support to a Vietnam veteran or Vietnam veteran family member. One scholarship is awarded each year. Applicants must verify service, two letters of recommendation, and an essay on the role(s) and significance of the United States Air Force in Vietnam.

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