Military Scholarships, Grants and Financial Aid Options
The admissions process for military personnel to choose and get into college is similar to that of civilian applicants, but there are some unique considerations and benefits available to military applicants. Here is an overview of the admissions process for military personnel.
Here is a comprehensive list of available options, scholarships, programs, grants, and financial aid for military personnel:
- GI Bill: The GI Bill provides education benefits to veterans and their families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001.
- Tuition Assistance: Active duty military personnel may be eligible for tuition assistance to help cover the cost of education programs.
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP): VEAP is available for active duty personnel who contributed to an education fund and is matched by the government.
- Military Scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Examples include the Pat Tillman Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, and Army Emergency Relief.
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Military personnel can apply for federal student aid through the FAFSA to receive grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school.
- Yellow Ribbon Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill that allows institutions to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition and fee expenses that exceed the tuition and fee amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
- MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account): MyCAA provides up to $4,000 of financial assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing a license, certification, or associate degree in a portable career field and occupation.
- Military Tuition Assistance Top-Up: This program allows GI Bill recipients to use the GI Bill to supplement tuition and fees not covered by tuition assistance.
- Federal Pell Grants: Military personnel may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants, which are need-based grants for low-income undergraduate students.
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): FSEOG provides additional grant funds to students with exceptional financial need.
- Loan Repayment Programs: Some branches of the military offer loan repayment programs as an incentive to enlist or reenlist.
- ROTC Scholarships: Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships are available to students who commit to serving in the military after graduation.
- State Benefits: Many states offer education benefits for military personnel, veterans, and their families, including tuition waivers, grants, and scholarships.
- Veterans Upward Bound (VUB): VUB is a program designed to help eligible veterans refresh their academic skills and prepare for success in postsecondary education.
- Military Spouse Scholarships: Several organizations offer scholarships specifically for military spouses, such as the National Military Family Association’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program.
These are just a few of the many options available to military personnel, veterans, and their families. It’s important to research all available resources and programs to find the ones that best suit your needs and circumstances. We have thousands of scholarships that are waiting for you at Imagine Scholarships.