Scholarship Programs for Student Dependents of U.S. Military Members

Each branch of the United States military provides some type of educational assistance in the form of scholarships, grants, and low-interest loans to dependents of active-duty, retired, and deceased service members.  Eligible students can pursue these resources, in addition to traditional avenues, to fulfill their educational and career goals.  Read on…

Veterans Administration Benefits

The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, veterans who died while on active duty, or as a result of a service-related condition, or have been declared missing in action.  Dependents may receive up to 45 months of education benefits that can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/DEA.asp

The Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the dependents of service members who died in the line of duty while on active duty after September 10, 2001. Eligible dependents attending school may can receive benefit payments for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and monthly housing for up to 36 months.

https://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/Fry_scholarship.asp

Note: Applicants can use the same qualifying event for more than one benefit if they are a dependent of a service member that died in the line of duty prior to August 1, 2011.

Army Emergency Relief

The MG James Ursano Scholarship program assists children of Army soldiers in obtaining their first undergraduate degree. The award amounts vary each year based on the number of applicants, total approved scholarship budget, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA.

https://www.aerhq.org/Apply-for-Scholarship/Dependent-Children

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program awards grants ranging between $500 to $4,000 to eligible dependents of active duty Air Force members, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted in an accredited college, university or vocational/trade school approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

https://www.afas.org/how-we-help/general-henry-h-arnold-education-grant/

The AFAS also offers a no-interest Supplemental Education Loan to help with college expenses. Dependents who have already successfully completed both parts of the Arnold Education Grant application may apply.  The same eligibility criteria required for the Arnold Education Grant are required for the Supplemental Education Loan.  Maximum amount for each full-time dependent undergraduate student is $1,000.

https://www.afas.org/how-we-help/afas-supplemental-education-loan/

Each year the AFAS awards a minimum of 10 Merit Scholarships for incoming freshmen students joining the Air Force who demonstrate outstanding academic potential.  Eligible applicants will be contacted directly by the AFAS with details on submitting end-of-year high school transcripts and an essay on a specified topic.

https://www.afas.org/how-we-help/afas-merit-scholarship

Navy and Marine Corps Education Assistance Program

The Society’s Education Assistance Program offers interest-free loans and grants to student dependents of active duty, retired or deceased sailors and marines.  The financial assistance can be used towards undergraduate education at an accredited two-or-four-year college` institution, technical or vocational institution in the United States.

http://www.nmcrs.org/pages/education-loans-and-scholarships

Coast Guard Scholarships

The Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship is available to college-bound high school seniors of active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard members who also are entering an accredited college or technical school, or are a full-time undergraduate student already enrolled in an accredited four-year undergraduate program or technical school. Successful applicants can receive awards ranging between $1,000 to $5,000.

https://coastguardfoundation.org/scholarships/scholarships-for-coast-guard-children

The Fallen Heroes Scholarship ensures that the dependents of deceased members receive a quality education. Eligible candidates can apply for this scholarship at any time during the year.

https://coastguardfoundation.org/scholarships/scholarships-for-coast-guard-children