Graduate Degree Scholarships for Veterans: Investing in Your Future

For veterans transitioning to civilian life, pursuing a graduate degree can significantly enhance employment opportunities. Scholarships can honor your service, provide financial support, and help you invest in your future. As a veteran, you have demonstrated your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving your country. Now, it's time to invest in yourself and your future. Scholarships for veterans not only provide financial support but also recognize and honor your service. This article explores various scholarship opportunities and resources tailored to veterans pursuing graduate studies.

Understanding the Landscape of Veteran Scholarships

Many veterans seek a college degree to increase their employment opportunities during their transition into life outside the military. An undergraduate degree or graduate degree can give veterans the educational support needed for a future job following their military service.

Scholarships for veterans not only provide financial support but also recognize and honor your service. These scholarships aim to honor your military service by assisting with educational expenses. Whether you're looking to find a new career path or further your education, these scholarships can provide the financial support necessary to achieve your goals. It's important to note that you're not limited in the number of scholarships you can apply for or be awarded, consider applying to any for which you're eligible.

Federal and State Educational Benefits

The federal government is one of the biggest financial aid providers in the United States. The military offers financial assistance through "educational benefits" to its servicemen and women who wish to pursue a college education to combat the rising college tuition costs. The Department of Veterans Affairs has many educational benefits that student veterans can use. Educational benefits to help pay for school or job training are provided to veterans primarily through two scholarship programs:

Post-9/11 GI Bill: Signed into law in June 2008, this bill expands educational benefits for military veterans who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001.
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD): This scholarship program can help pay for education and training programs for veterans who have served at least two years on active duty.

Several states also offer free college tuition for veterans, active service members, and their dependents. These programs vary by state and may have different eligibility criteria and restrictions. Some examples include:

Read also: Funding Your Graduate Education

Maryland: The Maryland Veterans and Military Families Scholarship provides free tuition and fees for veterans who served on active duty during certain periods of war or national emergency and military family members.
New York: The New York State Excelsior Scholarship provides free tuition for veterans and their dependents who are New York state residents and meet certain income requirements.

Program Opportunities for Active Duty Service Members & Their Families

Florida: Active Duty Military Waiver, which grants in-state residency for tuition purposes to active-duty military members stationed in or outside Florida, significantly reducing their tuition fees at public post-secondary institutions.
Virginia: All dependents of military service members stationed in Virginia are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, irrespective of their official state of residency.

Campus-Based Programs

Additionally, some institutions offer campus-based scholarship programs for veterans or active-duty students attending their college. Whether it's for veterans enrolled in undergraduate programs or veterans working towards a graduate degree, your university may have a scholarship program for veterans. Check with your university, graduate school, or community college financial aid office about any exclusive scholarship opportunities.

Scholarship Opportunities for Graduate Studies

Earning an advanced degree or graduate-level certificate is expensive regardless of your educational path. If you’re a veteran just out of the military, paying for college can be a significant hurdle as you transition to civilian life. Fortunately, there are many funding resources veterans can tap into to help pay for graduate education.

Scholarships are an excellent source of support for military servicemen and women as they advance into a post-service career because there are a lot of them, and they do not require repayment. Below are descriptions of scholarship opportunities available to veterans to help them pay for their master’s level education.

General Veteran Scholarships

AMVETS Scholarships: AMVETS (American Veterans) offers scholarships for veterans, service members, and their families. These scholarships support various educational pursuits, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational training, and certification programs. Annually awards scholarships to Veterans/active military, their sons, daughters or grandchildren.
Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) Veteran Scholarship: Applicants must be prior uniformed service members of any branch and active, guard, or reserve. Must be a first-time graduate degree seeker at one of the 19 CCME member schools. Other application requirements include a minimum of six completed graduate-level credit hours with a cumulative 3.0 or better GPA from a CCME member institution.
Marine Corps League Scholarship Program: The Marine Corps League provides scholarship grants annually to applicants.
Marines' Memorial Tribute Scholarship: This scholarship is open to veterans of all military branches. Applicant must have served honorably and ended active service or transitioned to reserve status within the past three years. Application requirements include a 250 to 500-word response to questions regarding military legacy and what it means to the applicant.
MOAA Scholarship Fund: The MOAA Scholarship Fund provides scholarships, grants, and interest-free loans to students with veteran or active-duty military parents from all ranks and branches.
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) Scholarship Program: To qualify for a PVA scholarship, applicants must be PVA members or the spouse or unmarried dependent child of a PVA member.
Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship: The Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships, building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. The Pat Tillman Scholar Program invests in service members, veterans, and military spouses by providing both educational funding and comprehensive leadership development. Beyond financial support, Tillman Scholars engage in a high-impact leadership journey. They join a community of peers and mentors and gain access to year-round programming that strengthens leadership skills, expands career pathways, and fuels long-term growth.
Tillman Military Scholarships: To support educational opportunities for Veteran and active Service Members and their dependents (children and spouses).
Veterans United Foundation Scholarships: Open to veterans of any branch with a 100% service-connected disability, applicants must be comfortable with sharing their personal stories and aspirations with the Veterans United Foundation.

Branch-Specific Scholarships

Air Force Aid Society General George S. Air Force service members residing overseas.
Air Force Aid Society General Henry H.
Army Nurse Corps Association (ANCA) Scholarship Program: Must be currently enrolled in an accredited advanced nursing or nursing anesthesia program to apply for this scholarship.
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program: The Army Women’s Foundation recognizes the importance of education and the role it plays in personal, professional and economic fulfillment. 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 Legacy Scholarship Program offers financial support in four areas: Certificate programs, Community College coursework, Undergraduate Degrees, and Graduate Degrees. Scholarships are awarded only for coursework from accredited institutions. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, letters of recommendation, and need. Community College and Certificate Program Legacy Scholarships will be awarded up to $1,000.
Navy League of the United States: Currently, the Navy League Foundation has a total of 25 endowed scholarships.
Navy SEAL Foundation Scholarships: Navy SEAL Foundation Scholarships are available to Post 9/11 SEAL and Post 9/11 SWCC veterans. Applicants may receive either an NSF scholarship or Veteran Education Living Stipend (VELS) but not both. VELS stipends provide support for living expenses to veterans in full-time programs in which no scholarship funds are needed.

Scholarships by Field of Study

Google Student Veteran Scholarship: Google offers this scholarship to veterans majoring in computer science or computer engineering in the United States. Undergraduate and graduate students may apply.
NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship: The scholarship is awarded to a student currently enrolled in a CACREP-accredited counseling master’s program. Applicants must demonstrate experience with and knowledge of military personnel and their families. Recipients must commit to providing mental health services to active service members and veterans for a minimum of two years post-graduation.
North American Van Lines Military Logistics/Supply Chain Management/Operational Management Scholarship: This scholarship is for qualifying current or former active-duty military and their dependents pursuing studies in logistics, supply chain management, or operational management.
Delta Dental Grants: Delta Dental Grants are open to transitioning service members of the Air Force or Space Force and their spouses and dependents. Applicants must be pursuing degrees related to oral health and wellness. Examples of acceptable fields include dentistry and nursing.

Scholarships with Specific Eligibility Requirements

American Legion Scholarship - American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship for Non-Traditional Students.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation: Providing college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in combat or accidents.
Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship: The Horatio Alger Association offers scholarships to veterans who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. These scholarships are intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and are determined to succeed.
Liberty University’s Heroes Fund Scholarship: Provides scholarship assistance for qualifying disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and spouses of veterans killed in action. Liberty University offers the Heroes Fund Scholarship to honorably discharged Gulf War veterans pursuing their first certificate, associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to service members and veterans who have been wounded in combat or are facing financial hardship. Eligibility is specifically extended to those who are recipients of the Purple Heart or have a 50-100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs for combat-related injuries, illnesses, or conditions.
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation: If either or both of your parents are an active, deceased or honorably discharged Marine, the foundation might have you covered.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Programs. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Sailors, Marines, and their family members can apply for scholarships and no-interest loans.
Navy SEAL Foundation: If you or anyone in your family is a member of the Naval Special Warfare community, you could be eligible for a grant.
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members: The Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members (CSDDV) provides scholarships for dependent children or un-remarried spouses of Florida Veterans or Service Members who died as a result of service-connected injuries, diseases, or disabilities sustained while on active duty or who have been certified by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs as having service connected 100% permanent and total disabilities. CSDDV also provides funds for dependent children whose parent is classified as a prisoner of war or missing in action by the Armed Forces of the United States or as civilian personnel captured while serving with the consent or authorization of the United States Government during wartime service.
Scholarships for Military Children: The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize the contributions of military Families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military Family community. If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel or you are the survivor of a deceased member, and you have a military dependent I.D.
Tailhook Education Foundation: 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.
The Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association Scholarship: Established to recognize relatives of Army Service Women. This scholarship is based upon academic achievement and leadership as expressed through co-curricular activities and community involvement.
Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation: To provide college scholarships to dependent children and spouses of all US Navy - officer and enlisted - active duty, retired or deceased who served within Naval Air Forces.

How to Apply for Veteran Scholarships

Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for veteran scholarships is easier when you break it down into steps. Here’s what you need to do:

Research scholarships that fit your goals: Look for scholarships from veterans’ organizations, military associations, and government agencies that align with your background and educational plans.
Check eligibility and deadlines: Each scholarship has specific requirements. Review them carefully and note deadlines to stay on track.
Gather necessary documents: Most applications require transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some may ask for essays, project proposals, or even interviews.
Write a strong personal statement: Highlight your military experience, leadership skills, and future goals. This is your chance to show why you deserve the scholarship.
Prepare for additional requirements: Some scholarships may ask for extra materials, like essays or interviews. Be ready to put in the effort to make your application stand out.
Connect with past recipients: Reach out to veterans who have won scholarships before. They can offer helpful tips and advice to strengthen your application.
Stay organized and apply on time: Keep track of deadlines and submit applications ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.

Tips for a Successful Application

Leverage Military Experiences: Your military service is a testament to your discipline, leadership, and resilience. Make sure to highlight how these qualities have prepared you for academic success and future career endeavors.
Understand Veteran-Specific Scholarships: Focus on scholarships specifically designed for veterans. These are tailored to appreciate your service and may cater to your unique background and future goals.
Connect Your Service to Your Goals: Demonstrate how your military experience has influenced your educational and career aspirations. Make clear connections between your service and how it has shaped your ambitions.
Utilize Veteran Resources: Take advantage of veteran support organizations and resources available for transitioning service members. They can offer guidance, mentorship, and additional support in the scholarship application process.
Engage with Your Veteran Community: Letters of recommendation from fellow veterans or military leaders who have witnessed your growth and contributions can be incredibly powerful. Their insights into your service and character can add significant weight to your application.
Tailor Your Application: Each scholarship is different. Tailor your application to reflect the mission and values of the scholarship provider, especially how they align with your military service and future goals.
Proofread with Precision: Attention to detail is crucial in the military and in scholarship applications. A well-edited application reflects your professionalism and dedication.
Share Your Story: Your journey, challenges overcome, and achievements during and after your service can make your application memorable. Personal anecdotes that reflect growth and resilience can be particularly compelling.

Additional Tips for Standing Out

Letters of recommendation: Many scholarship applications require one or more letters of recommendation. Pay careful attention to their requirements and provide letters from the types of persons requested (i.e., teachers, employers, etc.). Choose your letter writers carefully, making sure that they know you well and can speak specifically about your academic and personal strengths. Be sure to request your letters as early as possible to ensure they are finished in time and provide the positive recommendations you want.
Wow with your essay: Don’t be afraid of scholarship applications that require essays. When it comes to writing your essay, pay close attention to the specific topic and write to that topic as closely as possible. Your main goal is to stand out from everyone else, so be unique. Give yourself lots of time to write, edit, and rewrite. Look for good writers (like former teachers and English composition majors) to review and critique your essays before submitting them. If you’re more comfortable speaking than writing, try using a text-to-speech application to get your ideas written down for you to edit.
Be first in line: Being the first to submit your application probably won’t give you an advantage in winning, but it will allow you to avoid a last-minute rush to finish on time. It’s more important to get your application right than to get it in early, but finishing it as early as possible allows you to avoid the mistakes often made in the last-minute rush. Plus, many applicants miss out on awards because they miss the deadline. Planning to finish yours early helps you avoid this all-too-common mistake.
Beef up your extracurriculars/volunteer work: The trend for scholarship selection committees is to seek out well-rounded applicants, ones that distinguish themselves outside of the classroom as much as they do inside. Participation in extracurricular activities and volunteer work demonstrates that you care about others and possess any number of sought-after soft skills like leadership and self-motivation. Participation in extracurricular and volunteer activities takes time, though, so get going on them right away.

Additional Resources for Veterans

Department of Veterans Affairs: Offers comprehensive information on VA education benefits that help veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. This includes guidance on how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.
Veterans Education Success: This organization offers a wide range of services, including assistance with finding schools and scholarships, handling issues like school closures or deceptive practices by institutions, and helping with student loans. They are committed to advancing higher education success for veterans, service members, and military families while ensuring the integrity of the GI Bill and other federal education programs.
Bold.org: A platform with numerous scholarships for veterans and military students. Create a free Bold.org account and start applying today.
TFS Scholarships: Veterans should use scholarship funds like “gap insurance” to pay for any tuition, housing, fees or books not covered by their benefits. Dependents of veterans may or may not be covered by the benefit programs making scholarship funds even more important for them.

Navigating the GI Bill and Other Benefits

As a military veteran, you’re likely aware of the GI Bill and its many benefits, including its generous education benefits. For veterans who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, those benefits include help paying for tuition and fees and money for housing, books, supplies, and moving from a rural area to attend school. The percentage of benefits you’re eligible for is based on active-duty service length and other factors.

Read also: Graduate Fees at CMU

Yellow Ribbon Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program provides additional funding for costs the Post 9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. Applicants must have at least 36 months of active duty and be honorably discharged or meet one of several other eligibility requirements. They must also be enrolled in a school that offers the Yellow Ribbon Program. Total benefits vary and are determined by the participating school.
Tuition Assistance Top-Up: Tuition Assistance Top-Up provides additional tuition payments above and beyond the benefits received through the DoD Tuition Assistance Program. The Top-Up program is available to both active duty service members and veterans who qualify for Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD).

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