20 Featured College Scholarships for Veterans

We also have developed a guide to finding and applying for scholarships. Our infographic featuring easy scholarships may also be helpful.

Higher education has become very important when it comes to gainful employment in the United States. During the transition from military life to college life, there are many military and veteran-friendly colleges to choose from. However, it’s still important for our former enlisted men and women to be able to make the most of all of their benefits and other financial opportunities, including utilizing college scholarships designed for veterans.

These scholarships were chosen to be featured based on the financial amount, the range of study options offered, and other assistance provided – such as housing, college choice and specific veteran needs.

There are many terrific scholarships (some for substantial amounts) available to veterans which are not listed, so it is recommended to check with your adviser at your school of choice to find out if there are local scholarships or others for which you may fit the unique criteria. We also have a graphic featuring easy scholarships that may be of further help.

Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program

Scholarship Amount: $1000
Deadline: June 17
https://www.pva.org/membership/scholarship-program

Paralyzed Veterans of America offers their scholarship program to their members and members of their immediate families. Membership is free to qualified individuals. The scholarship program will provide $1,000 to those who qualify up to approximately $10,000. Previous recipients are still able to apply.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicant must be either a Paralyzed Veterans of America member, spouse of a member, or unmarried child under the age of 24 who is a dependent (defined by IRS) who relies on the member for principal support.
• Applicants must be a citizen of the United States of America.
• Applicants need to already be accepted and enrolled, part-time or full-time, as a student in an accredited college or university.

Late or incomplete applications are disqualified. The submission address is available online along with a link to the application. There is also an email contact link available online for those seeking more information regarding the scholarship program. Those on social media who wish to connect with Paralyzed Veterans of America can do so through Facebook and Twitter.

Disabled Veterans Scholarship

Phoenix, Arizona
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Deadline: November 10
https://www.afphoenixcriminalattorney.com/disabled-veterans-scholarship/
The Feldman Law Firm, PLLC gives back to our nation’s veterans by offering two annual scholarships of $1,000 each to disabled men and women who have served our country and are now seeking higher education. Scholarship funds may be used toward tuition at a college or university (including community college), trade school, or secondary school. It is not required that students be enrolled at the time of application, as winners have one year to submit their tuition invoice to have a check for $1000 sent to their school of choice on their behalf.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be a disabled veteran of the United States Armed Forces with a disability rating of 30% or higher in order to be eligible.
• Proof of disability and status as a veteran may be required
• The online application must be completed along with an agreement to the terms and conditions of the scholarship.
• Applicants must upload a short statement (100 words) about their educational goals.
• An essay of 650 to 1000 words is required to be written and submitted explaining how the applicant’s life has been affected by their military life and/or disability.

The website also offers details on the selection process as well as contact information for those with any questions or seeking more information.

RJT Criminal Defense’s Annual Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Scholarship

San Diego, California
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Deadline: November 14
https://www.sandiegocriminallawyerrt.com/scholarships-for-veterans-with-ptsd/

RJT Criminal Defense offers two annual scholarships for veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each scholarship offers $1000 to the recipient to go toward tuition for the educational program of their choice. Veterans do not have to be enrolled at the time of application and those who are awarded have up to one year to submit their tuition invoice in order to have a check for $1000 sent directly to the institution.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• The scholarship program is open to all veterans of the United States Armed Forces who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
• Applicants may be asked for documents to verify their veteran status and/or that they have been diagnosed with PTSD.
• The application must be completed in full, including uploads, and it must be indicated that you agree to the terms of the program.
• Applicants are asked to write a brief (100 words) statement explaining their educational plans.
• An original essay of 650 to 1000 words must be submitted about how PTSD has affected the applicant’s life.

The website also offers details on the selection process as well as contact information for those with any questions or seeking more information.

CCME Veteran Scholarship

Worldwide
Scholarship Amount: $1000
Deadline: November 1

Each year the Council of College and Military Educators offers college scholarships for $1000 for veterans along with their scholarships for active duty service members and one for the spouses of service members. All three scholarships can be found on the same webpage, with the veteran scholarship listed third.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be a prior uniformed service member.
• Current enrollment is required at a regional or national accredited institution that is also a CCME member institution.
• Veterans should be first time associate, bachelor, or graduate degree seekers.
• Undergraduates are required to have a minimum of 12 hours with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 from the CCME member institution.
• Graduates are required to have a minimum of 6 hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 from the CCME member institution.
• Applicants must submit an unofficial college or university transcript from their current institution.
• 2 recommendation forms (link can be found online) are to be completed by someone other than the applicant or their relatives. They are to attest to the integrity and character as well as motivation and educational pursuit of the applicant. One recommendation is required to be from a faculty member or academic advisor.
• An original essay of 400-750 words is to be submitted on the topic of “How has collaborating with others strengthened you and how do you see yourself collaborating to serve others in the future?” Essays are to be judged on both written content and writing skills.

Veterans can find the online application link on the website, as well as the links to the recommendation form and the CCME member institution list. An email is provided on the webpage for those who have questions about the scholarships or applications.

American Legion Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Indianapolis, Indiana
Scholarship Amount: $2000
Deadline: March 1
https://www.alaforveterans.org/Scholarships/Non-Traditional-Student-Scholarship/

The American Legion Auxiliary offers $2000 college scholarships for veterans who are returning to school to get certification, learn new and relevant trade skills, or are pursuing a degree in order to compete in today’s job market. Each year there is one scholarship is awarded per Auxiliary geographic division.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants are required to be members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion.
• Membership dues must have been paid for two years prior to application.
• Applicants may be enrolled in a 2 or 4-year degree program or training in a certified professional, trade, or technical program.

The college scholarship application is available in a downloadable doc on the American Legion Auxiliary scholarship webpage.

Rockwell Collins-SVA Community College Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $2500
Deadline: November 4

Many students begin their college careers in community colleges, and this, of course, includes veteran students. For this reason, Rockwell Collins and the Student Veterans of America work together to provide six college scholarships for veteran students who are enrolled in community college.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be a US Citizen or have the right to work in the United States without a sponsor now and in the future.
• Applicants must submit a current resume.
• Proof of military service is required. (DD214)
• Applicants must be enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program at an accredited 2-year institution.
• A GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
• Applicants must submit proof of enrollment in an accredited 2-year institution.
• A letter of recommendation (using the form from the SVA Letter of Recommendation link) on an official letterhead detailing the student’s aspirations, talents, and interests must be submitted.
• Students must choose and submit one essay answer to the two supplied questions (see website) with the length of 300 to 500 words per essay question. Essays are uploadable on the website, PDF format is preferred.

Veterans can find an application link and a letter of recommendation form link on the webpage. There is also a contact link available on the page for those who may have questions about the scholarship or application.

AMVETS National Scholarship – Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship

Lanham, Maryland
Scholarship Amount: $3000
Deadline: April 15
https://amvets.org/scholarships/

AMVETS offers two $3,000 scholarships annually in honor and memory of Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo, who was a physician and member of the U.S. Army Reserves. AMVETS offers a brief biography of Dr. Caccomo in their PDF which not only discusses the scholarship but also has attached application and membership forms for students to download and print.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen.
• Applicants must be a veteran or member of the National Guard or Reserves.
• It is required that applicants demonstrate financial need.
• A high school education or G.E.D. is required.
• Applicants must be accepted or enrolled in an eligible program.
• Applicants cannot be in default of a federal loan.
• Persons convicted under state or federal law of sale or possession of illegal drugs are ineligible to apply.
• Permission for AMVETS to publicize the scholarship award if you are selected is required.

There is also a number of required materials to be submitted including a 50 to 100-word essay. This information can be found on the second page of the PDF. All information in the PDF can be printed in order to fill out the application and optional membership forms. There is a number available to contact AMVETS if students have any questions about the scholarship or application.

AMVETS National Scholarship Program

Lanham, Maryland
Scholarship Amount: $4000 awarded over 4 years
Deadline: April 15

AMVETS offers veterans who have either exhausted financial aid or may not otherwise be able to afford their education, an opportunity to apply for this scholarship which awards those selected with $1000 per year for four years toward tuition at an accredited institution.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be a United States citizen.
• Applicants must be a veteran.
• It is required that applicants demonstrate financial need.
• If selected, you must agree to allow AMVETS to publicize your scholarship.

There is also a number of required materials to be submitted including a 50 to 100-word essay. This information can be found on the first page of the PDF. All information in the PDF can be printed in order to fill out the application and optional membership forms. There is a number available to contact AMVETS if students have any questions about the scholarship or application.

The VFW’s Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship

Nationwide
Scholarship Amount: Up to $5000
Deadline: Jan 1 – April 30 AND Aug 1 – Nov 15
https://www.vfw.org/assistance/student-veterans-support?cookieCheck=true

The VFW and Sport Clips Haircuts team up in order to offer college scholarships twice a year to deserving veterans. Together they are happy to be able to help veterans reduce stress related to the high cost of education and the burden of student debt.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be a United States citizen.
• Applicants must have completed Basic Training and follow-on training, such as Advanced Individual Training or technical school, etc.
• Retired, honorably discharged, active duty, and members of the National Guard or Reserve are eligible to apply.
• Separated with or currently hold an E-5 or below military rank.
• Applicants must demonstrate the need of financial assistance.
• It is required that applicants be accepted, enrolled, or participating in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited institution.

Scholarships are awarded twice per year to qualified applicants and are limited to one per family per semester. Scholarships are paid directly to the institutions and are limited to tuition and fees. Scholarships must be used by the end of the semester for which they are applied. For further details and links to the application, please visit the VFW website. There is also a link on their webpage provided for FAQ’s as well as another for emails if applicants have any further questions pertaining to the scholarship or application.

NBCCF Military Scholarship

Greensboro, North Carolina
Scholarship Amount: $8000
Deadline: October 31
https://nbccf.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2ei42ljxut7

The National Board for Certified Counselors Foundation created this scholarship in order to increase the number of counselors available to serve the needs of military personnel and families who are unable to get the help they deserve due to shortages of qualified mental health professionals. There are five scholarships available and will be selected from applicants who meet the eligibility criteria.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Enrollment in a CACREP-accredited counseling master’s program is required to apply.
• Veterans who apply must have served within the past five years and received an honorable discharge.
• Former and current active-duty United States military service members or the spouse of a military service member (who served within the past 5 years) are also able to apply.
• It is required for applicants to commit to applying for National Certified Counselor certification prior to graduation and finishing the application process.
• Applicants must also commit to providing mental health service for military personnel and/or veterans.

For more details, veterans can visit the webpage. There is a link to the CACREP website in order to check to see which programs are accredited. There is also a link to FAQs and another to an email address in case the student has any further questions about the scholarship or application. Help is also available by phone, the number is located with the email address. There is an “apply now” button located at the bottom of the page.

Google SVA Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November 4

Google and the Student Veterans Association together offer 8 college scholarships for student veterans for $10,000 each in order to pursue a degree in computer science. Those selected for the scholarship will also be invited to attend Google’s Summer Annual Scholars’ Retreat, a great opportunity to get to know and network with other top students in the field of computer science as well as some of the Google engineers.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled as a graduate or undergraduate student in a 4-Year accredited institution.
• Students must intend to be enrolled in or accepted as a full-time student in the United States for the academic year.
• Applicants must maintain strong academic performance.
• It is required that applicants be pursuing a degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering or a related field. (Please see the list of acceptable related fields on their webpage.)
• Applicants can be student veterans, proven by DD-214 and transcript OR Active Duty, proven by Active Duty orders, a Memorandum of Understanding from your commanding officer illustrating that you are still in good standing with your unit, and transcript.
• Applicants must have proof of honorable discharge or currently be in good standing with their branch of the military.
• A copy of the applicant’s current resume should be submitted with the application.
• Two letters of reference from a professor, adviser, or supervisor are required. Details are available on the scholarship webpage.
• An unofficial copy of school transcripts should be submitted by the applicant.
• 300 to 500-word answers to each of three essay questions compiled into one document is required of each applicant. The essay questions can be found near the bottom of the scholarship webpage.

Veterans interested in applying for this scholarship should review all of the details on the scholarship webpage. There is an application button at the bottom of the page along with a button for letters of recommendation.

Eli Lilly and Company Student Veterans Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November 4

The Student Veterans of America and Eli Lilly and Company team up in order to offer one college scholarship for veterans who are seeking an undergraduate degree from an accredited 4-year institution. It is their goal to help veterans obtain their bachelor’s degree so that they may be better equipped for success in the civilian workforce.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate program for the academic year as either a junior or sophomore.
• Students must be considered to be attending full-time at an accredited 4-year institution in the U.S.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required to apply.
• Applicants should demonstrate a passion and commitment to their chosen field of study.
• Applicants should also demonstrate leadership and play an active role in their community.
• Applicants must be student veterans, proven by DD-214 and transcript.
• It is required that applicants have an honorable discharge or be in good standing with their branch of service.
• It is required to answer two essay questions using a maximum of 300-350 words each compiled into one document. Essay questions can be found on the scholarship webpage.

Veterans who are interested in applying can find more information and a list of required materials on the scholarship webpage. An email address and phone number is available online for anyone who may have questions about the scholarship or application. There is an “apply now” button located at the bottom of the webpage.

LMI Student Veterans Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November 4

In honor of their 55th anniversary, LMI works together with the Student Veterans of America to offer 5 college scholarships for veterans for $10,000 each.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Student veterans must be pursuing a bachelors or graduate degree from a 4-year accredited institution for the academic year.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required,
• Applicants must submit a copy of their current resume.
• Proof of military service (DD-214) is required.
• A transcript must be submitted as proof of enrollment in an accredited United States institution of higher learning.
• Applicants must be a United States citizen or have the right to work in the U.S. without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• Applicants must answer two essay questions in 300 to 500 words each compiled into one document. The essay questions can be found on the scholarship webpage.

Student veterans interested in applying should visit the scholarship webpage for more information. An “apply now” button is located at the bottom of the scholarship webpage.

The Walt Disney Company STEM Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November 4

The Walt Disney Company’s Veterans’ Initiative, Heroes Work Here is proud to work with the SVA to recognize the hard work and dedication of our nation’s veterans by offering 2 college scholarships of $10,000. The scholarships are for student veterans who are pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, commonly referred to as STEM subjects. In addition, scholarship awardees are guaranteed an interview opportunity for an internship with the Walt Disney Company.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be pursuing a degree in a STEM program from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Veteran students should be registered full-time at an accredited 4-Year college or university within the United States for the academic year.
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required.
• Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to service to others through either a resume or letters of appreciation.
• Applicants must be a student veteran, proven by DD-214 and transcript.
• Honorable discharge or being in good standing with their branch of service is required.
• Applicants must submit 2 separate 1-page essays on their choice of given topics which can be found on the scholarship webpage.

Student veterans interested in applying for this scholarship should be sure to visit the scholarship webpage for more details. There is an email address on the page for contacting if there are further questions about the scholarship or application. There are also button links to the application as well as to a letter of recommendation form located near the bottom of the webpage.

PNC Serving With Integrity Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November 4

PNC Bank partnered with Student Veterans of America in order to offer 2 college scholarships for $10,000 each for veterans who are pursuing degrees in finance, business administration, or related fields and define “Serving With Integrity”. With increasing costs of college education and the growing importance of post-secondary degrees, both PNC Bank and SVA are proud to be able to offer these opportunities to our nation’s veterans.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be pursuing a degree in business administration, finance, or related fields from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Proof of enrollment in an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (transcript) is required.
• Applicants must be honorably discharged or currently serving in the Guard or Reserve.
• Proof of military service (DD-214) is required.
• Applicants are required to submit a current resume.
• Applicants must submit 1 letter of recommendation on official letterhead from a member of the faculty describing your aspirations, interests, and talents.
• 1 personal statement must be submitted by applicants using the prompt provided on the scholarship webpage.
• 1 essay is required to be submitted by applicants using the prompt provided on the scholarship webpage.

Student veterans interested in applying for this college scholarship should visit the scholarship webpage for more information. An email contact is provided on the scholarship page for those who may have questions regarding the scholarship or application. There are also link buttons near the bottom of the scholarship page for application and the letter of recommendation.

Raytheon – SVA Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $10,000
Deadline: November 4

Raytheon partners with SVA in order to offer 5 scholarships of $10,000 each for student veterans who are pursuing a degree in engineering or a related field. Raytheon and SVA both recognize that student veterans have the potential to fill the critical skills gap and help bring forth a new generation of technological advancements.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants must be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year of undergraduate study or be enrolled in a graduate program.
• Applicants must be attending full time at an accredited United States 4-year university.
• Applicants must be a student veteran, proven by DD-214.
• Honorable discharge or being in good standing with their branch of service is required.
• Applicants must demonstrate leadership skills and play an active role in their community.
• Demonstration of commitment to and passion for their chosen field of study is required of applicants.
• Applicants must be pursuing a degree in engineering or a closely related field. (Please visit the scholarship webpage for a list of acceptable related fields.)
• Answers to 2 provided essay questions, 300 to 500 words each, in one document must be submitted by applicants.
• Arrangements for 1 letter of recommendation on an official letterhead to be written, signed, and submitted by the author is required.

Student veterans interested in this college scholarship should visit the scholarship webpage for more details and view the essay questions. There is a button link as well as a mailing address for the letter of recommendation. There is also a button link to the application provided near the bottom of the scholarship webpage. There is also a link to a contact form and a phone number available on the page for those who may have questions about the scholarship or application.

NBC Universal – SVA Scholarship

Washington, DC
Scholarship Amount: $12,000
Deadline: November 4

SVA and NBC Universal partner in support of our veterans in order to offer 2 scholarships of $12,000 each.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• For the academic year, applicants must be pursuing an associate, bachelor, or graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning.
• Applicants must submit proof of enrollment in an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning (transcript).
• A cumulative GPA of 3.0 and higher is required.
• Applicants must submit a current resume.
• Proof of military service (DD-214) must be submitted.
• Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or have the legal right to work now and in the future without sponsorship.
• Answers to two essay questions of 300 to 500 words each compiled into one document must be submitted. These questions can be found on the scholarship webpage.

Student veterans interested in this scholarship are encouraged to visit the scholarship webpage for more details. There is an application button located near the bottom of the page there. There is also a contact link in their opening paragraph for answering any questions about the scholarship or application.

Tillman Scholars – Pat Tillman Foundation

Chicago, Illinois
Scholarship Amount: Awards educational expenses, including tuition and fees, books and living expenses
Deadline: Reopens in February

The Pat Tillman Foundation offers this scholarship for veterans as well as active-duty military service members and spouses. Becoming a Tillman Scholar offers students much more than educational expenses, other benefits include an invitation to the annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit in Chicago, IL, an entry in Pat’s Run in Tempe, AZ, and an invitation to premiere partner conferences including Inc. 500/5000 to name a few.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants may be veterans or active duty military service members and their spouses or surviving spouses. National Guard and Reserve are also eligible.
• Applicants must be honorably discharged from pre-and-post-9/11 service.
• Applicants must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate or graduate or professional degree program at an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning.
• Applicants must provide documentation of their military career or community impact as a military spouse. Discharged members should submit their most recent DD-214 (with the SSN blacked out) and active National Guard or Reservists can provide alternate military service forms.
• A current and complete resume must be submitted.
• 1 character reference for the applicant must be submitted.
• Applicants must submit answers two essay questions on given topics.
• Applicants who progress in the selection process may be asked to provide additional documents and have a background check.

Military and veteran students interested in becoming a Tillman Scholar should visit their website for more complete information and requirements. Applications will be reopening in February.

Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship

San Ramon, California
Scholarship Amount: Varies, see description
Deadline: June 1 and November 1

https://www.sentinelsoffreedom.org/programs/sentinel-scholarships/
The Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship is a 2 to 4-year scholarship which focuses on helping severely wounded or injured post 9-11 veterans in the areas of education, housing, mentoring, and employment. They also assist with career and network assistance and financial planning. Recipients are called “Sentinels” in honor of their service.

Eligibility and Application Details:

• Applicants may be members of any branch of the military, active, guard or reserves who have been injured or severely wounded in a service connected event post-9/11, including combat-related, training accidents, and non-physical injuries.
• Applicants must have a permanent VA disability rating of 50% or higher as listed on their VA Rating Statement.
• Applicants must have received or will be receiving an honorable discharge.
• Applicants should be enrolled or planning to enroll in full-time vocational school or post-secondary education. Schools are required to be a VA approved school. (Exceptions for full-time enrollment may be made in cases where the level of injury prevents the student from being able to fulfill a full-time obligation.)
• Applicants must be highly motivated with a strong drive to reach their goals, whether they be personal, educational, or career goals.
• Applicants must be willing to actively engage with their mentor and participate in networking opportunities provided by SOF.

Those who wish to apply should visit the scholarship website and be sure to read the application FAQ page for more information and details. There is an online application form and they are accepted for scholarships which are awarded twice per year, deadlines are June 1, and again on November 1.

Troops to Trades Training Grant and Scholarship

St. Paul, Minnesota
Scholarship Amount: Varies, see description
Deadline: December 31

Troops to Trades Training Grant and Scholarship

Nexstar Legacy Foundation’s Troops to Trades offers veterans an opportunity to apply for both grants and scholarships with the click of a button. There is up to $100,000 available in opportunities. Registration and login are required to view the application. The application is designed for veterans looking to start a new career in the heating, cooling, plumbing, or electrical residential service industry.

Those interested in applying for these scholarships and training grants should sign up in order to find out details such as required materials and eligibility requirements.