A comprehensive list of scholarships and grants specifically designed for the dependents of veterans, service members, and fallen heroes. These resources address the reality that many awards provide partial tuition assistance, helping families bridge the gap between full funding and total educational expenses.
Get targeted exposure with custom position pinning and highlighted placement.
Administered by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), this scholarship provides up to $5,000 per academic year to dependents of severely disabled veterans. It covers undergraduate tuition and fees, offering significant but partial financial support for eligible students.
Offered by the American Legion, these awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per recipient for children of disabled or deceased veterans. The funds can be applied toward tuition, books, and other educational costs, serving as a vital supplement to other aid packages.
This foundation provides scholarships to dependents of military engineers and members of SAME, with awards varying from $1,000 to $4,000. It supports students pursuing degrees in engineering or related technical fields, covering a fraction of total tuition costs.
While not a scholarship itself, the Yellow Ribbon Program matches federal GI Bill funds to cover tuition gaps at private or out-of-state schools. Families should search for participating institutions, as these agreements effectively provide partial-to-full coverage depending on the school's agreement.
The DAV NSF offers various awards to dependents of veterans with service-connected disabilities. These scholarships typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, providing substantial but not always full tuition coverage for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.
Established by a military family, this foundation provides scholarships to children of active duty, reserve, and veteran military personnel. Awards are generally modest, intended to help with educational expenses rather than covering full tuition, with a focus on leadership and character.
AMVETS offers multiple scholarship opportunities for dependents of veterans, with award amounts varying by specific program year and criteria. These funds assist with higher education costs, serving as a financial bridge for families who may not qualify for full-ride scholarships.
Beyond the main PATRIOT scholarship, DAV often has local chapter-specific awards and community-based grants. These smaller awards provide additional financial relief for tuition and fees, supplementing larger federal or national scholarship packages for veteran families.
This scholarship is available to children of deceased or disabled veterans, with awards typically covering a portion of college expenses. It is designed to help students from military families afford higher education, recognizing the sacrifices made by their parents.
Targeted at descendants of Army nurses, this scholarship provides financial assistance for nursing education. The award amount covers a segment of tuition and related costs, supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals from military medical backgrounds.
This organization offers full-tuition scholarships at specific partner universities, but also provides partial awards for other institutions. It is crucial to verify specific eligibility and award levels, as coverage varies significantly between different educational partners.
While primarily focused on support resources, MCEC links families to various scholarship databases and state-specific aid. These resources often highlight partial tuition awards available to military dependents, helping families navigate complex financial aid landscapes.
The VFW Auxiliary offers scholarships to the children of veterans, with awards ranging from $500 to $5,000. These funds are intended to help offset educational costs, providing valuable support for families seeking to reduce their financial burden.
For descendants of veterans from that era, this fund provides modest educational assistance. While niche and limited in availability, it represents a historical resource for certain family lines seeking to fund higher education with partial contributions.
NMFA curates a list of scholarships specifically for military families, many of which provide partial tuition coverage. They offer resources to help families apply for multiple smaller awards, which collectively can significantly reduce total education costs.
The ALA provides scholarships to children and spouses of veterans, with award amounts varying by division and year. These grants help cover tuition and fees, serving as a critical component of financial aid for military dependents.
SVA maintains a comprehensive directory of scholarships available to veterans and their families. Many entries list partial awards, helping families identify niche opportunities that may not be widely publicized but can provide meaningful financial support.
While not exclusively for military, OAC offers scholarships to students with public service interests, including those from military families. These awards can help cover educational expenses, particularly for students pursuing public administration or policy careers.
County and state-level VSOs often have discretionary funds for educational assistance. Families should contact local American Legion, VFW, or DAV chapters directly, as these smaller, localized awards can provide essential partial tuition support not available through national bodies.
Many states offer additional tuition waivers or grants for children of veterans beyond federal GI Bill benefits. These programs vary by state and often cover partial tuition at public institutions, requiring families to research their specific state’s department of veterans affairs.