Important - If you are using the Post 9/11 benefit, please be aware of the federal regulation with any aid (including scholarships) that is tuition/fee specific:
"The actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees assessed by the institution for the program of education after the application of any waiver of, or reduction in, tuition and fees; and any scholarship, or other Federal, State, institutional, or employer-based aid or assistance (excluding loans and title IV funds, such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Plus Loans, Perkins Loans, etc) that is provided directly to the institution and specifically designated for the sole purpose of defraying tuition and fees."
We require documentation for how each scholarship's money is allowed to be used. Please click here for more information or contact the School Certifying Official if you have any questions.
- Information on Student Federal Aid - http://studentaid.ed.gov/sites/default/files/military-student-loan-benefits.pdf
- Surviving Dependents and Spouses of Service members - visit taps.org for information about benefits you may be eligible to receive. Fry recipients should be eligible for the Iraq and Afghanistan Pell Grant if you do not qualify for the traditional pell grant.
The Office of Veterans Education Benefits at JMU is not affiliated with any of the websites listed. This is simply a compiled list of web resources that may provide helpful financial support to you and your family.
Link for scholarships, sorted by branch, status (veteran, spouse, dependent) and degree type - http://vetsuccess.unl.edu/documents/Military-Dependents-Scholarships.pdf
Extensive list of Military Scholarships for Servicemembers, Spouses and Dependents: https://usveteransmagazine.com/list-of-military-scholarships-for-service-members-spouses-and-dependents/
Air Force Aid Society: The AFAS offers grants, scholarships and loans
- General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program - This need-based grant program offers grants of at least $2,000 to selected children and spouses of active duty, retired and deceased active duty and some reserve Air Force members.
- AFAS Merit Scholarship - The Society awards a minimum of ten $5,000 merit-based scholarships to incoming freshmen who have completed both phases of the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant application, and therefore, have already been reviewed for eligibility and had their GPA verified. Selection is based on cumulative GPA, SAT/ACT scores, transcripts and an essay on a specified topic.
- Supplemental Education Loan Program - This loan is open only to dependents of regular Active Duty, some reservists and retired members who applied for the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant. The maximum dollar amount is $1,000.
Air Force Association Scholarships
Air Force Officers' Spouses Club of DC
Open to USAF dependents of any rank and active duty, reserve, guard, retired, MIA/POW or decreased
AFCEA War Veterans Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships of $2,500 will be awarded to persons on active duty in the uniformed military services, to honorably discharged U.S. military veterans (including Reservists and National Guard personnel) of the Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan or Iraqi Freedom Operations (years 2004-present) who are currently enrolled and attending classes in an Undergraduate program part time or full time in an eligible STEM major degree program at an accredited four year college or university in the U.S.
Includes: AFSA Scholarship Program, Chief master eSrgeant of the Air Force Scholarship program and Airmen Memorial Foundation Scholarship Program
AFSA and the Airmen Memorial Foundation joined together to conduct a scholarship program to financially assist undergraduate sutdies of eligible, depdent children of enlisted Total Air Force members. Air Force Dependent children pursuing undergraduate degrees. Sponsors must be enlisted members currently serving (Active, Air National Guard or Reserve), Retired, or a Veteran of the Air Force.
American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Available for children or legally adopted children of active duty U.S. Military and Guard, and Reserve personnel who were federalized and died on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 or dependents of Post 9/11 veterans VA-rated at 50% or higher disabled.
To qualify, a student must be a child of a member of the Uniformed Services who died while in Active service or was severely wounded (as defined as Traumatic SGLI). They must be under the age of 24 at the time of application. The maximum age for students who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces before completing college will be increased by the number of years served, for up to five years of service or 29 years of age. Applications are accepted on our Web site beginning early November through NOON (EST) 1 March each year. - See more at: http://www.moaa.org/Content/Benefits-and-Discounts/Education-Assistance/Scholarships-and-Grants/American-Patriot-Scholarship.aspx#sthash.32ThTFpK.dpuf
Scholarships for high school seniors, JROTC high school seniors, and veterans.
Armed Forces Crossroads Scholarship
Children of Active Duty personnel, Reserve/Guard and Retired commissary customers may apply for a Scholarship for Military Children. Eligibility, including survivors of deceased members, will be determined using the DoD ID Card Directive, i.e., age 21, or up to the 23rd birthday if still enrolled as a full time student. The applicant must be planning to attend or is attending an accredited college or university, starting in the fall term of the year following the application year, on a full-time basis. Defense Commissary Agency Scholars scholarship may be awarded to both high school seniors and those working toward a first undergraduate degree provided they are carrying a full-time course load and are in good academic standing at a college or university accredited in the United States. No scholarship will be awarded for those pursuing an associate, second undergraduate or graduate school degree. Students accepting a military academy appointment or a full scholarship are not eligible to receive funds from this program.
Army Aviation Association of America Scholarship
The AAAA Scholarship Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation established to render financial assistance for the college-level education of members of the Army Aviation Association of America, Inc. (AAAA). The spouses, unmarried siblings, children and grandchildren of current and deceased AAAA members are also eligible.
The Army Scholarship Foundation awards one-year financial scholarships (not grants or loans) on an annual basis to qualified and deserving students. The amount of award ranges from $500 to $2000 for undergraduate studies at accredited educational/technical institutions.
Army Women's Foundation - Legacy Scholarship
The Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program provides grants to women soldiers, past and present, and their lineal descendants to help them attain their educational goals. The scholarship funds may be used to assist with tuition, fees, books, and school documented room and board (as of 4/19/17)
Many of AFCEA’s chapters provide scholarships, grants and tuition assistance for aspiring engineers, technicians, programmers, military personnel and government officials. Financial assistance is made available for students living or attending school within each chapter's local community
For dependent children and spouses of active duty, retired, or deceased while on active duty or after retirement.
Association of the United States Navy
The Association of the United States Navy’s (AUSN) Scholarship Program awards scholarships to undergraduate students who are members, children and grandchildren of AUSN members (http://ausn.org/membership-signup/) and surviving spouses of deceased members. Our goal is to help our members and those they love earn a college degree.
Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund
Our mission is to be a viable non-profit organization established solely for the purpose of generating and distributing funds to provide educational opportunities for qualified family members of Chief Petty Officers. Candidates eligible for scholarship awards are spouses and children (natural born, adopted or stepchildren) of all Chief Petty Officers.
Our mission is to provide college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of military personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. Our goal is to bridge the gap in funding between available sources of grants and scholarships (i.e., VA Chapter 33 or 35, federal, state, local and private grants) and the total cost of college.
The Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) is pleased to offer $1000 scholarships each year to United States Service members (active duty/veterans) and spouses of Service members who are working towards the completion of higher education degrees.
Coast Guard Exchange Scholarship Program
Scholarships to students who are dependents of Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and military retired members, current civilian NAF and APF employees, and current Coast Guard Auxiliarists that meet eligibility requirements. Collects and disburses donations in support of Service Members and their Families in need, including assistance with airfare, special medical attention, college tuition for the children of Service Members and more.
The Coast Guard Foundation offers grants for active duty enlisted members and their spouses, it also offers scholarships to children of active duty, retired or deceased enlisted members.
- Grants for spouses of active-duty enlisted members - These grants are open to spouses of active-duty enlisted personnel, and spouses of some reservists. Grants are for $500.
- Scholarships for Coast Guard children - These scholarships are open to unmarried dependent children of enlisted active duty members, reservists on extended active duty for 180 days or more, retirees, or deceased members. Applicants must be college-bound high school seniors entering a college or technical school for the fall semester or a full-time undergraduate student already enrolled in an accredited four-year undergraduate program or technical school.
Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
- Supplemental Education Grant - The SEG program reimburses documented educational costs specifically required by a course of study. Multiple grants may be awarded up to the authorized amount throughout the calendar year.
- CGMA Stafford/PLUS Loan Fee Reimbursement - Assistance for those who finance post-secondary education through the Federal Stafford Loan or Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). CGMA reimburses clients for the loan fee (not to exceed 4% of the loan amount) typically charged borrowers at the time funds are disbursed.
- CGMA Education Loan - An interest-free loan (up to $2,000) to help with post-secondary education expenses.
The Daniel Drevnick Scholarship has been established to assist Veterans in the transition from military service to civilian law enforcement. The fund is awarded twice yearly to an outstanding Veteran or family member of a Veteran. The memorial fund promotes the values of freedom, opportunity, responsibility, compassion and morality...because that is what Daniel stood for.
Deeb Scholarship
Applicant must be adopted or orphaned (documentation is required) and eligible for financial aid. Selection is based upon financial need and merit.
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
For children of members or former members of the Submarine Force who have qualified in submarines and served in the Submarine Force for at least 8 years OR Navy members who have served in submarine suppor activities for a minimum of 10 years.
Earl Jennings Puckett Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually in the amount of $5,000 to an eligible applicant that fully embodies the spirit of service in their community as determined by the Patriot Legacy Fund scholarship committee.
List of available scholarships, grants and VA Educational Benefits for dependents of fallen patriots
Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund
The Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund benefits financially needy dependent children, spouses, and domestic partners of 9/11 victims. Scholarship assistance is available to eligible students who enroll in an undergraduate program of study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university, or vocational-technical school in the United States. Limited funding is also available for graduate study. Most funds provide scholarship assistance for a maximum of four years or its equivalent, depending on total funding available (http://www.familiesoffreedom.org/sustainability.php). Our financial need formula (http://www.familiesoffreedom.org/financial_need_formula.php) is used to determine award amounts for each eligible student
Folded Flag Foundation Scholarship
For college-bound* spouses and children, The Folded Flag Foundation provides scholarships and educational grants to cover tuition and fees, books, computers, living expenses (to include child care for students with young children), tutoring, test preparation services and career preparation expenses (internships, resume writing workshops, interview preparation training, etc.).
The Higher Education scholarship is for spouses and children currently attending or recently accepted into an approved/accredited 2-year or 4-year degree program at an institution of higher education or an approved/accredited vocational/certificate program.
Fort Myer Thrift Shop Scholarship
Available for high school students, college students and spouses who meet eligibility requirements.
The Freedom Alliance Scholarship fund is for the children of military personnel who have been killed or permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident.
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
AFAS education support is available to dependent sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty, retired, retired Reserve and deceased Air Force members, as well as spouses of active duty and Title 10 Reservists, and widows/widowers.
The U.S. Department of State’s Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for undergraduate child dependents of active duty service members to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Developed under the framework of the State Department’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, the John McCain International Scholarship for the Children of Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship) is open to eligible students enrolled at accredited U.S. colleges and universities who receive any type of Title IV federal financial aid.
As part of our commitment to military veterans, Google established the Google SVA Scholarship in partnership with Student Veterans of America . The scholarship provides assistance to student veterans who are pursuing university degrees in the field of computer science in the U.S. Selected students will receive 10,000 USD for the 2017-2018 school year and will be invited to attend the Google Scholars’ Retreat in the summer of 2017.
The "Heroes' Legacy Scholarships" program honors not only those who have fallen in battle, but all who have died or have become disabled through their active military service since September 11, 2001. The program is open to their dependent unmarried children under age 23. A disability is defined as one that results in the service member being eligible for, and receiving, Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) or a permanent and total disability compensation rating of 100%.
Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program
The Heroes Tribute Scholarship Programs provide special funding for the children of wounded and fallen Marines and Navy Corpsmen.
Huebner Scholarship (Society of the 1st Infantry Division) - https://www.1stid.org/huebner.php
High school seniors who are the children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren of soldiers who have served in the First Infantry Division of the United States Army are eligible to compete for these scholarships.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/iraq-afghanistan-service)
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant provides money to college or career school students to help pay their education expenses based on specific eligibility criteria
Leave No Veteran Behind Retroactive Scholarship
Shortfalls in the new Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, lingering exclusions from the old Montgomery G.I. Bill, and educational debt acquired prior to service compromise the lives of thousands. While there are military educational programs that help relieve this educational debt, not all Veterans are covered under these programs.
Marine Corps Scholarships Foundation
For children of U.S. Marines and former Marines. Particular attention is given to students who have lost a parent or had a parent wounded in the line of duty.
Marine Spouses' Thrift Shop Scholarship
These competitive scholarships are to be awarded to graduating high school seniors who are the dependents of active duty, retired, reservists, or deceased members of the United States Marine Corps stationed and living in the Hampton Roads area. A scholarship committee will review all applications and the scholarships awarded will be based on outstanding achievement both in school and community.
The Michaels Organization Educational Foundation is a non-profit affiliate of The Michaels Organization that administers educational scholarship programs open to residents of all affordable and military housing communities owned or managed by companies of The Michaels Organization.
MilitaryOneSource Scholarships
A site that lists scholarships for children and spouses of military servicemembers.
Military Order of the Purple Heart
The MOPH Scholarship Program is a competitive scholarship program that awards approximately eighty (80) scholarships to Purple Heart recipients and their spouses, children, and grandchildren each year.
Military Spouse Scholarships and Caregiver Scholarships
The Spouse/Caregiver Scholarship Program identifies, recognizes, and rewards post-9/11 spouses/caregivers for their strength, fidelity, and resolve despite adversity. Scholarships aid in continued education at a reputable, accredited university, college, or trade school for spouses/caregivers as they assume critical roles in the financial well being of their families.
National Guard Educational Foundation (NGEF)
NGEF, DRS Technologies Create College Scholarship For Children of Fallen National Guardsmen: The National Guard Educational Foundation (NGEF) created a college scholarship fund for the children of more than 650 National Guardsmen killed in the war on terrorism. DRS Technologies, Inc. of Parsippany, N.J., will provide up to $6,250 per year to selected students attending a four-year institution or a two-year program at a community college or technical school.
“The DRS Guardian Scholarship Fund drsfoundation.net/guard is open to any high school or college student who is a son or daughter of a Guardsman killed in an operational or training mission in support of operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom or New Dawn.
National Military Family Association Military Spouse Scholarship
For spouses of all uniformed serive members (Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve, Retirees, and Survivors). Money may be used for tuition, fees, room and board for those pursuing: GED or ESL, vocational training, professional certification, post-secondary, or graduate school. Can be in-class or online classes and full-time or part-time. Any spouse eligible to hold a valid military ID is eligible.
Navy League Foundation Scholarships
The Navy League Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who will attend college in the fall. Navy League Foundation Scholarships are available only to children and grandchildren of former members of the Sea Services and those currently serving as well as members of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
The Society’s Education Assistance Program offers interest-free loans and grants for undergraduate/post-secondary education at an accredited 2- or 4-year education, technical or vocational institution in the United States. This financial assistance is available for children of active duty, retired or deceased Sailors and Marines; and for spouses of active duty and retired Sailors and Marines.
Navy Seal Foundation Scholarship
The Navy SEAL Foundation is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities to NSW active duty service members, their spouses and dependent children, children of qualifying former NSW service members, as well as our SEAL and SWCC post-9/11 veterans.
Noble Argus Foundation Scholarship (http://www.nobleargusfoundation.org/programs/index.html)
The Noble Argus Foundation provides financial assistance for education to the children and spouses of past and present Special Operations Community members. The organization was established with one objective in mind: to ease the financial burden that soaring educational costs place on the families of our military’s elite warriors.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship (http://www.pva.org/find-support/scholarship-program)
Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is proud to offer assistance to Paralyzed Veterans’ members, and members of their immediate families, through Paralyzed Veterans’ Educational Scholarship Program. The program will provide a $1,000 scholarship to each qualified individual, up to approximately $10,000 in total scholarship funding.
Pat Tillman Military Scholarship
For veteran and active duty service members of both pre-and post-9/11 service. Service members who wish to start, finish, or further their education; who are enrolled as a full-time student at an American institution of higher learning; and those who benefits have expired or do not meet their needs. Open to service members of all branches of the military, including National Guard and Reserve. For service members pursuing undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, 2-year, 4-year, public, private, vocational, and trade degrees or certifications. Dependents of service members (children between the ages of 19 and 28 and spouses) whose benefits are insufficient or not transferable from their mother/father/husband/wife.
provides post-secondary educational scholarships for the dependent children of service-disabled veterans. Scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $2,500 and $5,000 to eligible applicants.
Scholarships for Military Children Program
Only dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active military duty personnel, reserve/guard and retired military members, or survivors of service members who died while on active duty ( also see Heroes' Legacy Scholarship ) or survivors of individuals who died while receiving retired pay from the military, may apply for a scholarship.
Society of Daughters of the United States Army Scholarships
Scholarship for daughters or granddaughters of career warrant or commissioned officer in the U.S. Army who is: on active duty; retired from active duty after 20 years of service; medically retired before 20 years of active service; died while on active duty or died after retiring from active duty.
Special Operations Warrior Foundation (http://specialops.org/college-scholarship-program/)
College scholarships for the surviving children of fallen special operations service members.
Tailhook Education Scholarship
must be a high school graduate and the natural, step, or adopted son, daughter or grandchild of a current or former Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, or Naval Aircrewman. Also eligible are individuals or children of individuals who are serving or have served on board a U.S. Navy Aircraft Carrier in ship’s company or the air wing.
ThanksUSA Scholarship Program
For dependents and spouses of active-duty U.S. military service personnel (those who have served at least 180 days since 9/11/01, including all those who have been killed or wounded in action).
List of possible military-affiliated scholarships
The UDT-SEAL Association is pleased to offer scholarship opportunities to Dependents of our Veteran members who strive to pursue higher learning and help them achieve their dream of a college education.The educational scholarships are to post-secondary programs, such as Bachelors or Associates Degrees, and also include Graduate Degree Scholarship opportunities for qualifying applicants.
US Submarine Veteran Scholarship
The USSVI & the USSVCF Scholarship Committee will continue to make every effort to obtain additional philanthropic donations for the advancement of the generational offspring of the Members of the United States Veterans Institute with the sole purpose of assisting the dependents of our everyday Submarine Heroes, both Active Duty and Retired.
Scholarship categories include: 1) Active Duty, Drilling Reservist, or National Guard Member, 2) Spouse of Active Duty Member, Drilling Reservist, National Guard, Military Retiree, 3) Child of Active Duty Member, Drilling Reservist, National Guard, or Military Retiree, 4) Permanently Disabled Military Member or their Family Member or Family Member of Service Member Missing/KIA, and 5) Veteran or Retiree of the Armed Forces
Veterans United Scholarship Program
Veterans United Foundation, the charitable arm of Veterans United Home Loans, is dedicated to enhancing lives in our nation’s military community. Our scholarship program fuels your vision for a bright future and ensures your dreams aren't threatened by the ever-increasing costs of a post-secondary degree.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States - Voice of Democracy (VOD)
Audio-essay contest for high school students in grades 9-12.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States - Patriot's Pen (scroll down from VOD Scholarship)
Youth essay writing contest for students in grades 6, 7, and 8.
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States - Scout of the Year
Must be a registered, active member of a Boy Scout Troop, Venturing Crew, or a Sea Scout Ship, and have received the Eagle Scout Award, Venture Silver Award, or Sea Scout Quartermaster Award.
Women's Overseas Service League
For women who are committed to advancement in military or other public service careers and have demonstrated such committment through life experiences.
Search for other scholarships on the following websites:
Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) (for spouses, dependents, active duty, reserve, and veterans)
College Scholarships.org (for spouses, dependents, and veterans)
Fastweb - one of the largest free scholarship services on the internet; more than 275,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans; you can indicate your veteran status when filling out the information.
Fundfinder - free web version of the College Board's Fund Finder scholarship database; you can indicate your veteran status when filling out the information
Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc
JMU Financial Aid - Scholarships
Military Scholar (for military children under age of 23)
Scholarship America (the largest non-profit private sector scholarship and educational support organization)
Tuition Only Scholarships that do not work well with Post 9/11 benefits (not an all inclusive list):
Anchor Scholarship Foundation - must be applied to tuition and tuition related expenses only
Wings Over America Scholarship
VFW "Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship" - tuition and fee only scholarship