Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but military service members, veterans, and their families often have access to unique financial aid that makes higher education much more affordable. From VA benefits and federal programs to specialized scholarships, these resources can significantly reduce — or even eliminate — out-of-pocket costs.
Whether you’re transitioning to civilian life, a spouse pursuing a degree, or a military child planning for the future, understanding your funding options can put a college degree or vocational training within reach.
Table of Contents
Key Points
• Military scholarships and VA education benefits provide significant financial aid to service members, veterans, spouses, and dependents to help pay for college.
• Funding for military scholarships comes from various sources, including federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private foundations.
• Key VA education benefits help cover tuition, housing, and supplies for eligible service members and their qualified family members.
• Veterans and dependents should complete the FAFSA to access military-based, as well as general grants and scholarships.
• Beyond scholarships and grants, students can explore federal and private student loans to cover any remaining costs after military benefits have been applied.
What Are Military Scholarships?
Military scholarships are financial awards designed for active-duty service members, veterans, and reservists, as well as their spouses and dependents. Unlike getting a student loan, these awards do not require repayment. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, private foundations, and military support groups.
These programs generally fall into two categories:
• Merit-based scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership potential, or community service.
• Need-based scholarships provide essential financial support for families with limited resources.
Many military scholarships are intended to support career transitions. Veterans often pursue college degrees, certifications, or technical training after leaving military service, and scholarship programs can help make that transition more affordable. In addition, military spouses and children may qualify for scholarships that recognize the sacrifices made by military families.
Who Qualifies for Military Scholarships
Qualification requirements depend on the scholarship program, but many opportunities are available to a broad range of military-connected students.
Eligible applicants may include:
• Active duty service members
• Military veterans
• Members of the National Guard or Reserves
• Military spouses
• Children or dependents of service members
• Survivors of fallen service members
• Disabled veterans
Academic standards may also apply and need-based programs may ask applicants to submit financial information through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Completing the FAFSA can also help students qualify for additional grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans.
Best Scholarships for Military Veterans
Veterans and their families can access a wide variety of scholarship programs designed to support an undergraduate degree, graduate education, vocational training, and professional certifications. Here are a few to consider:
• Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship: This is a merit-based scholarship available to active duty and veteran military service members, including current or surviving spouses. The average recipient receives approximately $10,000 per academic year.
• Folds of Honor Scholarship: This award supports the spouses and dependents of fallen or disabled U.S. service members. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited institution, technical school, or trade program. Recipients receive $5,000 per academic year (disbursed in $2,500 increments per term).
• AMVETS Scholarships: This need-based program is open to veterans, active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Offering awards up to $12,000, the program requires applicants to pursue an undergraduate degree and meet specific eligibility criteria.
• Purple Heart Scholarship Program: This program provides financial assistance to Purple Heart recipients, as well as their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Eligible applicants must attend an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school. Scholarship amounts are determined each year based on the total funding available.
Grants for Veterans
Grants for college are a form of “gift aid” that typically does not need to be repaid. While scholarships are often merit-based, grants are usually awarded based on financial need.
Veterans and their families may qualify for funding through federal and state governments, individual colleges, or nonprofit organizations. Below are two key programs available to service members and their dependents:
The Federal Pell Grant
The federal government recently expanded Pell Grant eligibility by incorporating the former Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant into the main program.
Under these updated guidelines, students whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. armed forces may receive the maximum Pell Grant award (currently $7,395), even if they don’t meet the standard need-based requirements. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA and answer the specific question identifying themselves as a child of a fallen service member.
Recommended: FAFSA Grants & Other Types of Financial Aid
General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant is a need-based award provided by the Air & Space Forces Aid Society. Children (under age 24) and spouses of qualifying U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force members can apply. To be considered, you must be enrolled in or accepted at an accredited college, university or vocational/trade school. Award amounts vary each year and are based on the recipient’s financial need.
Veterans Affairs Education Benefits
Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits are financial assistance programs provided by the U.S. government to help veterans, service members, and their qualified family members pay for college, graduate school, and vocational training. These benefits often include coverage for tuition and fees, monthly housing allowances, and stipends for books and supplies.
Here’s a look at some of the primary VA education benefits:
• Post-9/11 GI Bill: This benefit assists with college tuition and living expenses for those who served on active duty after September 10, 2001. It typically includes full or partial tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.
• Montgomery GI Bill: The Montgomery GI Bill provides monthly education stipends, with separate programs tailored for Active Duty and Selected Reserve (including National Guard) members.
• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: This program provides education assistance to qualifying spouses and children of deceased or disabled veterans.
• Veteran Readiness and Employment: This benefit offers training and employment services for veterans with service-connected disabilities.
Recommended: What Are Student Loans for Military Dependents?
Grants for Active Duty Service Members
Active duty service members may qualify for grants and tuition assistance programs while continuing their military service.
One of the most widely used benefits is Military Tuition Assistance (TA). Each branch of the military offers TA programs that cover all or a portion of tuition costs for approved courses and degree programs. Service members often can pursue associate, bachelor’s, or graduate degrees while remaining on active duty.
In addition, some nonprofit organizations and military support foundations provide grants specifically for active duty students balancing military obligations with higher education.
Other Ways to Pay for College
Military scholarships and VA benefits can dramatically reduce education costs, but they may not always cover every expense. Students may also want to explore additional funding sources to create a complete college financing strategy.
Scholarships and Grants
In addition to military-specific benefits, veterans and their families may qualify for various general scholarships and grants. These awards — which are essentially “free money” for college — are available through the federal government, colleges, community organizations, employers, and professional associations. Many state governments also offer specific grants for residents attending in-state institutions.
To maximize your funding, first complete the FAFSA, as it is often a prerequisite for federal, state, and institutional aid. To find external scholarship opportunities, you can consult with your school’s financial aid office and use reputable online scholarship databases.
Federal Student Loans
Federal student loans may help cover remaining costs after scholarships, grants, and military benefits are applied.
Compared to private loans, federal student loans often offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment protection. Options may include:
• Direct Subsidized Loans
• Direct Unsubsidized Loans
• Plus Loans for Parents
Private Student Loans
Private student loans are issued by banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans can help bridge the gap when federal aid and military benefits do not cover the full cost of attendance.
Unlike federal options, interest rates and repayment terms for private loans vary by lender and are largely determined by the borrower’s credit history. Consequently, many students require a cosigner to qualify for competitive rates.
Before committing to a private loan, it’s wise to exhaust all federal student loan options. Federal loans typically offer more robust borrower protections, such as income-driven repayment and potential forgiveness programs. However, private loans can be a useful resource for students in high-cost programs or graduate students with limited access to grants.
The Takeaway
Military service members, veterans, and their families have access to a wide range of financial aid opportunities that can make higher education more affordable. Scholarships, grants, GI Bill benefits, tuition assistance programs, and federal aid can all work together to reduce the cost of earning a degree or professional certification.
The key is to start researching early, complete the FAFSA each year, and apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible. Veteran resource centers, financial aid offices, and military support organizations can also help students understand eligibility and requirements and maximize available benefits.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
Does the VA offer college scholarships?
Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers benefits that can help eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain dependents pay for college, career training, certifications, and other educational programs. Through programs like the GI Bill, recipients may receive financial support for tuition, housing, textbooks, and other school-related expenses. Eligibility and benefit amounts vary based on military service history and program requirements.
Can veterans apply for FAFSA?
Yes, veterans can and should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). While the GI Bill and other VA benefits cover many education costs, completing the FAFSA offers access to other types of financial aid, including general grants, work-study programs, and federal student loans. Many state-level and institutional scholarships and grants also require a completed FAFSA to determine eligibility.
What is it called when the VA pays for college?
When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helps pay for college, it is usually through the VA’s education benefits known as the GI Bill. Popular options include the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill, which can help cover tuition, housing, books, and other education costs for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and sometimes their family members.
Who qualifies for military scholarships?
Military scholarships are available to active-duty service members, veterans, National Guard Members, and sometimes high school students planning to join the military. Eligibility depends on the scholarship and may include academic achievement, branch of service, financial need, career goals, or military status. Some programs are offered by the military, while others come from colleges, nonprofits, and private organizations supporting military families.
Can military spouses and dependents apply for scholarships?
Yes, many scholarships are specifically designed for military spouses, children, and dependents of active-duty members, veterans, or fallen service members. These programs can help pay for college, career training, certifications, or graduate school. Eligibility requirements vary, but applicants may need proof of military affiliation, academic records, or financial need.
Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions
SoFi Private Student Loans
Terms and conditions apply. SOFI RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY OR DISCONTINUE PRODUCTS AND BENEFITS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. SoFi Private Student loans are subject to program terms and restrictions, such as completion of a loan application and self-certification form, verification of application information, the student's at least half-time enrollment in a degree program at a SoFi-participating school, and, if applicable, a co-signer. In addition, borrowers must be U.S. citizens or other eligible status, be residing in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, or American Samoa, and must meet SoFi’s underwriting requirements, including verification of sufficient income to support your ability to repay. Minimum loan amount is $1,000. See SoFi.com/eligibility for more information. Lowest rates reserved for the most creditworthy borrowers. SoFi reserves the right to modify eligibility criteria at any time. This information is subject to change. This information is current as of 4/22/2025 and is subject to change. SoFi Private Student loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLS #696891 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org).
SoFi Bank, N.A. and its lending products are not endorsed by or directly affiliated with any college or university unless otherwise disclosed.
Please borrow responsibly. SoFi Private Student loans are not a substitute for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. We encourage you to evaluate all your federal student aid options before you consider any private loans, including ours. Read our FAQs.
SoFi Loan Products
SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Bank, N.A., NMLS #696891 (Member FDIC). For additional product-specific legal and licensing information, see SoFi.com/legal. Equal Housing Lender.
External Websites: The information and analysis provided through hyperlinks to third-party websites, while believed to be accurate, cannot be guaranteed by SoFi. Links are provided for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement.
SOISL-Q226-019