Scholarships for Military and Dependents (2025–2026 Guide)
For military service members, veterans, and their families, education is more than just a goal — it’s a well-earned opportunity. Thankfully, there are hundreds of scholarships created specifically for military personnel, spouses, and dependents to ease the financial burden of college.
Whether you’re an active-duty service member looking to return to school, a veteran transitioning to civilian life, or a dependent planning your future, this guide will walk you through the best scholarships for military and their families, how to apply, and tips to maximize your chances of receiving aid.
Why Scholarships Matter for Military Families
While programs like the GI Bill and Tuition Assistance (TA) provide valuable education benefits, they don’t always cover every expense. Scholarships help bridge the gap — offering funds for:
- Tuition not covered by military benefits
- Books and supplies
- Housing and living expenses
- Study abroad opportunities
- Graduate school tuition
And the best part? Scholarships don’t need to be repaid — making them one of the smartest ways to finance your education.
Top Scholarships for Military Members and Their Families
Here are some of the most well-known and generous scholarship opportunities for military-connected students in 2025–2026:
| Scholarship Name | Who It’s For | Award Amount | Application Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship | Veterans, active-duty, spouses | Varies (avg. $10,000+) | Spring annually |
| Folds of Honor Scholarships | Spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members | Up to $5,000/year | Feb–March |
| Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship | Purple Heart recipients and their dependents | Varies | Spring annually |
| AMVETS Scholarships | Veterans, spouses, children, and grandchildren | $1,000–$4,000 | Jan–April |
| AFCEA Military Personnel Scholarships | Active duty and veterans in STEM | $2,500–$3,000 | Opens in Fall |
| Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation | Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen | Up to $10,000 | Opens Jan |
| Army Emergency Relief Spouse & Children Scholarship | Spouses and children of Army members | $500–$2,000 | Jan–April |
| Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships | Dependents of Coast Guard members | $2,000+ | March–May |
| Air Force Aid Society Education Grant | Children of active duty or retired Air Force | Up to $2,000 | Opens in January |
Note: Deadlines and amounts are based on 2025–2026 projections and may vary slightly.
Scholarships by Military Branch
Army
- Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship
- MG James Ursano Scholarship (AER)
Navy
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Programs
- Anchor Scholarship Foundation
Marine Corps
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
- Women Marines Association Scholarship
Air Force
- Air Force Sergeants Association Scholarship
- Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
Coast Guard
- Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships
- Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund
Scholarships for Military Spouses
Military spouses often face unique challenges, from frequent moves to balancing family responsibilities. Fortunately, there are scholarships designed just for them:
- National Military Family Association (NMFA) Spouse Scholarships
- ThanksUSA Scholarship for Military Spouses
- MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account) – offers up to $4,000 for career training and degrees for eligible spouses
- Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship
Scholarships for Military Children
If you’re a military child planning for college, these programs can help reduce your out-of-pocket expenses:
- Fisher House Foundation’s Scholarships for Military Children
- Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
- AFSA Scholarship Program
- Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Military Scholarships
- Society of Military Widows Scholarships
Tips for Applying to Military Scholarships
To improve your chances of winning scholarships, follow these smart strategies:
- Start Early: Many scholarships open 6–12 months before college starts. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Prepare a Strong Essay: Most military scholarships require an essay. Be honest, specific, and share your unique story or goals.
- Organize Documents: Keep a file with your DD-214 (if applicable), transcripts, recommendation letters, and resume.
- Apply to Multiple Programs: Don’t stop at one or two scholarships. Apply for as many as you’re eligible for — even smaller awards add up!
- Check Local and State Programs: Many states, VFWs, American Legions, and civic groups offer regional scholarships for military-connected students.
Other Financial Aid Options for Military Families
In addition to scholarships, don’t forget these important resources:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – may qualify you for federal grants and low-interest loans
- GI Bill & Yellow Ribbon Program – covers full or partial tuition for eligible veterans and dependents
- Military Tuition Assistance (TA) – for active-duty members (up to $4,500/year)
- Federal Work-Study Program – earn money while studying
Military families sacrifice so much — and education should never be out of reach because of cost. With the right combination of scholarships, benefits, and smart planning, you or your dependents can attend college with far less debt.