When military service ends, many veterans choose to go back to school to begin or further their education. There are many scholarships available to assist veterans with their educational goals in life after service. AFBA has compiled a list of nine of the top scholarships available to military veterans and their families.
1. The Montgomery G.I. Bill
This is the most well-known scholarship available for veterans. During active duty, military personnel can elect to have $100 withheld from each paycheck to be used for education upon discharge. According to CollegeScholarships.org, honorably discharged service-members can receive up to $37,000 in scholarships for up to 36 months.The Montgomery G.I. Bill benefits are available for 10 years after an honorable discharge and can be used to cover the cost of tuition, books, housing and other university-related fees.
2. Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship
The VFW partnered with Sport Clips to establish this veteran scholarship program. Honorably discharged servicemembers and their families can apply for this scholarship during the fall and spring semesters. The amount of the award can add up to $5,000. This scholarship is paid directly to the accredited institution and may only be used for tuition and school fees.
3. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill
This bill is an extension of the Montgomery G.I. Bill and is specifically for military members who enlisted within 90 days of September 10, 2001. The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill offers the same benefits as the Montgomery G.I. Bill, but it extends to graduate programs and private institutions.
4. AMVET National Scholarship Program
This scholarship is for veterans who have used all of the possible funds from the G.I. Bills. The AMVET National Scholarship is only available for students who are currently enrolled in an accredited institution and were honorably discharged. For up to three years, veterans are able to receive $1,000 in scholarships.
5. Leadership Through Action – Tilman Military Scholars
The Pat Tilman Foundation provides varying award amounts to veterans who are interested in beginning or continuing their higher education. Applications must demonstrate reasonable financial need and maintain a 3.0 GPA. To be considered for this scholarship, veterans can submit two essays to the foundation.
6. American Legion Scholarship
For an annual award of $1,000, veterans who are members of the American Legion can apply for this scholarship. Funds can be used for tuition, book and other university fees at an accredited institution. Most eligibility for this award is based on the financial need of the applicants.
7. Troops to Teachers Program
The U. S. Department of Defense provides this scholarship for veterans who are interested in pursuing a career in education. Veterans who demonstrate financial need and have proven academic merit will be considered for this award. Once veterans accept this award, they must agree to teach in a high-need high school for one year.
8. Disabled War Veterans Scholarship
Veterans who sustained injuries during Iraqi Freedom Operation and Enduring Freedom Afghanistan, and are now considered disabled, are eligible for the AFCEA Education Foundation's Disabled War Veterans Scholarships. The foundation offers $2,500 for veterans looking to attend a 2- or 4-year accredited institution.
9. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship Program
Veterans who are members of the Order of the Purple Heart are eligible for this scholarship. The foundation awards 80 scholarships to veterans and their families every year. Recipients must be accepted into an accredited institution and maintain a 2.75 GPA during the semester.
Beginning or continuing higher education is an excellent opportunity for military servicemembers entering life after service. Many foundations and government agencies have created scholarships to assist veterans with their educational goals. The nine scholarships above are just a few of many available to former servicemembers.