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Last updated on November 11, 2024

Exclusive Military Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

The Top Military Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

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princeton universityvanderbilt universityuniversity of michiganberkeley university of californiageorgetown universitysyracuse university
60 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Bill E. Wood Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Wood Family
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Bill E. Wood and the love he spread by supporting students as they pursue their dreams.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Civil service or ministry
    • State: Arkansas
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Dec 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship

    Funded by
    Zenobia Hastie
    The Emma Jane Hastie Scholarship aims to support an undergraduate junior or senior with a devotion to serving those around them.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education level: Undergraduate juniors or seniors
    • Field of study: Medicine, Counseling, Military, Hospitality, Municipal work, or related fields
    • Background: Volunteer work or community service
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jan 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    2
  3. Boyd J. Cameron Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Cameron
    This scholarship will support first generation college students pursuing a career in business.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Background: First generation college student
    • Major: Business
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Feb 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    3
  4. SrA Terry (TJ) Sams Jr. Civil Engineering Scholarship

    Funded by
    TJ Sams Memorial Foundation Inc.
    This scholarship seeks to honor the legacy of TJ Sams, Jr. by supporting students who are planning to enlist in the military.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    • Background: Enlisted in the military or planning to enlist
    • Field of Study: Civil Engineering
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Mar 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    4
  5. Ben Brock Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    EpochGeo LLC
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Ben Brock by supporting lifelong learners who are veterans or the family members of veterans.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school seniors, undergraduates, or graduate students
    • Field of Study: Geography, software engineering, or computer science
    • Background: Active military, veteran, or the family member of a veteran or active military member
    Amount:$7,500
    Deadline:Mar 29, 2025
    One Click Apply
    5
  6. Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship

    Funded by
    Live it Up
    In recognition of the burden higher education can place on military families, this scholarship seeks to give back to these dedicated families to honor their sacrifices.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    • Citizenship Status: U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
    • Family Background: At least one parent has served in the U.S. military
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Robert F. Lawson Fund for Careers that Care

    Funded by
    Lance Lawson
    This scholarship seeks to support high school and undergraduate students who intend to spend their careers helping other people.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • Field of Interest: Healthcare, social work, government, education or a related field
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Apr 15, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. Operation HVAC

    Funded by
    Engineered Temperature Solutions
    This scholarship was created to address the growing need for skilled HVAC technicians in the industry and to honor the service and dedication of military veterans and their families by supporting their pursuit of a career in HVAC.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 26, 2025
    One Click Apply
    8
  9. Evan James Vaillancourt Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Vaillancourt
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Evan James Vaillancourt by helping students pursue nursing careers.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Nursing
    • Background: Community service or volunteering experience
    • GPA: 3.5 or higher
    • Education Level: High school senior
    Amount:$1,200
    Deadline:May 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    9
  10. Jennifer Gephart Memorial Working Mothers Scholarship

    Funded by
    Andrew Gephart
    This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Jennifer Gephart, mother of two and military spouse, whose work not only supported her children but also added meaning to her life while she made a difference in the lives of those she served and who worked alongside her.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Mother
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:May 10, 2025
    One Click Apply
    10
  11. T's Golf Foundation Scholarship

    Funded by
    T's Golf Foundation
    This scholarship seeks to thank veterans, active military, and their families for their sacrifices by making college more accessible to their dependents.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Sport: Golf
    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: a current active duty/reservist or honorably discharged Veteran or have a family member who is active duty military or an honorably discharged veteran.
    Amount:$4,000
    Deadline:May 12, 2025
    One Click Apply
    11
  12. Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bryent Smothermon
    To honor the legacy of Bryent Smothermon, this scholarship exists to support military veterans or military family members who have suffered from PTSD.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Military veteran or child of a military veteran
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:May 14, 2025
    One Click Apply
    12
  13. Rod Tucci Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Brett Campbell
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Rod Tucci by supporting students who share his passion for the trades.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or trade school student
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Jun 11, 2025
    One Click Apply
    13
  14. John Acuña Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Acuna
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of John Acuña by supporting students who have served their country and are now pursuing their academic goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Veteran
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    Amount:$4,000
    Deadline:Jul 07, 2025
    One Click Apply
    14
  15. Bear Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of "The Bear" who have a vision for the characters' futures!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
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  16. Love Island Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who are fans of "Love Island" and are invested in the stories on screen.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    16
  17. NYT Connections Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support avid players of The New York Times' "Connections" puzzle who have an idea for their own puzzle!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    17
  18. Team USA Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to encourage students to root for Team USA and share their appreciation for their favorite athletes!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
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  19. Sabrina Carpenter Superfan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of Sabrina Carpenter who have been impacted by her career.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    19
  20. LeBron James Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support students who are fans of LeBron James and have been inspired by his career.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
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  21. CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY Mid-Career Writing Scholarship

    Funded by
    CREATIVE. INSPIRED. HAPPY
    This scholarship seeks to support aspiring writers so they can go on to professional writing careers and find happiness.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Field of Study: Writing
    • Background: Experience in the workforce
    Amount:$2,000
    Deadline:Dec 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
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  22. GUTS- Olivia Rodrigo Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is perfect for students who have been impacted by Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts" album!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    22
  23. Joe Gilroy "Plan Your Work, Work Your Plan" Scholarship

    Funded by
    Smart Boy Studios
    This scholarship aims to support any student who has dreams and a detailed plan on how to pursue and achieve them.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Anybody pursuing further education
    Amount:$2,075
    Deadline:Feb 28, 2025
    One Click Apply
    23
  24. Billie Eilish Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who are fans of Billie Eilish and have been impacted by her music.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    24
  25. Wicked Fan Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support fans of Wicked who are excited about the new movie adaptation of the story!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    25
  26. Redefining Victory Scholarship

    Funded by
    Chris & Mary Carnduff
    By embracing diverse avenues for personal growth, anyone can conquer the challenges of life and attain the pinnacle of success.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Any
    Amount:$20,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    26
  27. NBA 2K25 Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to support dedicated fans of the iconic NBA video game series.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    27
  28. College Football Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship seeks to celebrate the arrival of football season by supporting dedicated fans.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    28
  29. Tate McRae Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support fans of Tate McRae who enjoy her music, dancing, and performances!
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
    29
  30. Dancing with the Stars Fan No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship aims to support students who have been moved by Dancing with the Stars and are following the show.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$500
    Deadline is Approaching! 18 days left
    One Click Apply
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About military scholarships

There are approximately 1,192,700 military students pursuing a bachelor’s degree, with another 241,000 pursuing graduate degrees. That accounts for about 6.1% of the undergraduate population and 6.7% of the graduate population.

In recognition of their dutiful military service, the United States offers higher education benefits to its servicemen and women, to help reduce the financial burden of college and graduate school. Unfortunately, many students do not receive these benefits. 

As a result, military service members take out an average of $8,000 for college and $18,000 for graduate school. Consequently, many veterans and soldiers are left with significant debt after graduating.

Bold.org is here to help, with a collection of scholarships dedicated to the brave men and women who fight to defend and protect our great country. We thank you for your distinguished service.

The importance of scholarships for veterans and active-duty soldiers

To combat the rising college tuition costs, the US military offers financial assistance through "benefits" to its servicemen and women who wish to pursue a college education. However, just 43% of military undergraduates received veterans’ education benefits, while only 36% of military graduate students received veterans’ education benefits.

Military students who did not receive veterans’ education benefits often have to take out significant loans to pay for school. The average cumulative debt for a veteran or active duty service member who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2015-16 was approximately $25,000 at public and nonprofit institutions, including community colleges.

At Bold.org, we’re committed to making college more affordable for active duty, retired, or dependent military personnel. While the award amount varies between each opportunity, our list of military college scholarships is designed specifically for the people who fight to protect and defend our country.

How to qualify for military scholarships

To have the best chance of winning, it's important to put time and consideration into your scholarship applications. Before working on your submission, be sure to check the eligibility requirements of each scholarship so you're positive that you qualify!

Be an active-duty member of the military

Many military scholarships seek to aid active-duty military members who are trying to pursue a college education. If you're currently serving in the military, you're eligible to apply for these military scholarships!

Be a military veteran

Certain scholarships are exclusively open to veterans, such as the Praccess Veterans Education Grant. If you've served in any branch of the military, you should qualify for veteran scholarships.

Be a loved one of active-duty military members or military veterans

Most scholarships aim to help those who are directly involved in military service, but some scholarships also are open to the family of military members. For these scholarships, you can qualify if you're the child, spouse, or family member of someone who has experience in military service. If you're the child of a veteran, be sure to check out the Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship!

Check any additional eligibility requirements

In addition to being a service member, veteran, or family member of a soldier, some scholarships have additional eligibility criteria, such as location, disability, or field. Make sure you check all of the eligibility requirements before taking the time to apply.

Types of armed forces scholarships available

In recognition of the bravery and sacrifices of military members, there are many different types of scholarship awards available. Some scholarships are geared towards active members of the military, while others are directed towards veterans living with PTSD or to people who've lost a parent or family member who was in the military.

How to find military scholarships for veterans and active-duty service members

Starting your scholarship search can be daunting. With so many scholarship programs available, finding the right scholarships for veterans can feel impossible. Luckily, we're here to help. On Bold.org, you can use all kinds of filters to find the best-fitting scholarships. To find scholarships for service members in the armed forces, go to the "military" category.

You can also choose to display only no-essay scholarships, and you can also filter by amount, deadline, and education level. While you're searching, you can bookmark scholarships you're interested in so you can apply later. With all of these options available, you'll be able to find the perfect scholarships for you.

When to start applying for scholarships for active-duty military personnel

When applying for scholarships, starting earlier gives you as much time as possible to earn money for your college education. Some military scholarships are open to high school students who are going into the military or who have family members in the army, so you can start before you even graduate!

It's also never too late to start your search. There are plenty of scholarships available for students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, so don't worry if you're just getting started with the application process.

What to consider when applying for military scholarships

When applying for scholarships, keep in mind the eligibility requirements of each award. Make sure you're applying to scholarships that you're eligible to receive. Additionally, remember that there are often many eligible applicants, so you want to spend time and effort on your application so you can stand out from the competition. Keep reading for our exclusive tips on how to increase your chances of winning.

How to apply for military scholarships

Each scholarship on Bold.org has instructions in the description for a quick and easy application process. Some no-essay scholarships can be applied for with just a few clicks, while essay-based scholarships will give you a prompt and word limit so you can craft your essay.

Tips for winning military scholarships

With so many students looking for college scholarships, it's critical that you make yourself stand apart from the other applicants. To boost your chances of making an impression and winning scholarship funds for your college education, read the tips below.

Find your best-fitting scholarships

The less competition a scholarship has, the greater your chances of winning. Finding scholarships with many eligibility requirements will limit the number of other applicants, making you more likely to win. Military scholarships are already limited to a smaller applicant pool, but finding scholarships with additional requirements, such as serving in a certain field or having PTSD will further your chances of winning.

Apply as early as possible

Being among the first to apply for a scholarship can also improve your chances of winning. You can use the filter feature to find the newest scholarships so you can be the first to apply!

Work hard on your scholarship essays

For essay-based scholarships, it's important to put your best foot forward through your writing. Make sure you stick to the prompt and answer every part of it. Additionally, open with a hook to capture the interest of the reader. Since many scholarships have low word limits, make sure you utilize your words well by remaining focused on the topic. Finally, include a conclusion that wraps up your essay, and be sure to proofread before submitting!

Use your profile to supplement your applications

In addition to putting time into your scholarship essays or other application materials, you can also use your profile to your advantage. Having a unique, personal, and detailed profile can give the donors a better sense of who you are, helping you make a good impression. You can also earn as many bold points as possible to increase your chances of winning.

Military education statistics

By the Numbers:

  • In 2018, 75% of student veterans were enrolled as full-time students
  • In 2018, 62% of student veterans were first-generation college students
  • Veteran students have an average 54% completion rate, similar to the overall national average (53%) and noticeably higher than the completion rate of other adult learners (39%)

Top Fields of Study:

  • Business - 27%
  • STEM - 14%
  • Healthcare professions - 10%

Unfortunately, the transition from active duty military service to civilian life can be quite difficult, with very few soldiers returning home unscathed.

Approximately 58% of military service members reported a service-connected disability. That includes more than 20% of all military veterans who are diagnosed with PTSD, a psychiatric disorder triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

These challenges can make it very difficult to hold down a job or to pursue a college or graduate school degree.

It has also been well documented that the Department of Veterans Affairs has struggled to meet the needs of our veterans, leading to many former military members going without desperately needed benefits.

Military challenges remain

A research survey launched by the Institute for Veterans and Military Families found common obstacles that many veterans reported struggling with.

Barriers to Pursuing Higher Education:

  • Lack of financial resources/financial burden, even w/GI Bill benefits - 56%
  • Family obligations - 28%
  • GI Bill benefits expire before degree completion - 25%
  • Health and wellness/disability - 23%
  • Conflict between job and school - 22%

Military to Civilian Life Transition Difficulties:

  • Navigating VA programs, benefits, and services - 60%
  • Finding a job - 55%
  • Adjusting to civilian life - 41%
  • Financial challenges - 40%
  • Applying military skills to the civilian world - 39%

Check out these Veteran scholarships to help you pay for college!

Frequently asked questions about military scholarships

The scholarship application process can feel confusing, so check out these frequently asked questions to clear up any confusion you may have. You can send any additional questions you may have to contact@bold.org!

Who qualifies for military scholarships?

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements, but veterans and active-duty military personnel qualify for military scholarships. This includes marine corps and air force ROTC scholarships. Some military scholarships are even open to the friends, family, and loved ones of those who have served.

How do you get a military scholarship for college?

To get a military scholarship, browse through all of the opportunities. Then, follow the scholarship instructions to easily apply. Make sure you follow our application tips listed above to give yourself the best chance of winning scholarship funds.

What are military scholarships?

Scholarships for active-duty military personnel or veterans are scholarship funds that aim to help members of the military afford their college education. These scholarships are exclusively open to veterans or active-duty military as a means of appreciation for their service.

How does a military scholarship work?

Scholarship awards won through Bold.org are sent directly to the university of the winner to go towards college tuition or other costs. If you win a grant for student debt, the money is applied to your student loans.

Are military scholarships taxable income?

Scholarships for active-duty military personnel or veterans are not considered taxable income. The money is applied directly to your tuition or student loans!

Are there scholarships for military spouses?

While most scholarships seek to directly support members of the military, some are also open to the loved ones of soldiers and veterans, including military spouses. Check out this scholarship that's open to the children or spouses of first responders or members of the military.

Can you study abroad with a military scholarship?

While some military programs support students who study abroad, scholarship money won through Bold.org can only be applied at schools located in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions