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Last updated on November 18, 2024

Military Dependent Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

The Best Military Dependent Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines

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30 SCHOLARSHIPS
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  1. Niche College No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is perfect for students interested in college and grad school tips and resources.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline is Approaching! 11 days left
    One Click Apply
    1
  2. 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
    2
  3. 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
    3
  4. 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
    4
  5. 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
    5
  6. Cueto Technologies Community Impact Scholarship

    Funded by
    Cueto Technologies
    This scholarship aims to support students from military families so they have all of the resources necessary to thrive in their higher education journeys.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Field of Study: STEM
    • Background: Veteran, servicemember, or dependent
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    6
  7. Joseph C. Lowe Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lowe Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the life of Joseph C. Lowe by supporting students who share his love of history and community improvement.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education: High school senior or undergraduate
    • Background: Volunteering or community service
    • Major: History
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:May 01, 2025
    One Click Apply
    7
  8. 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
    8
  9. 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
    9
  10. 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
    10
  11. 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
    11
  12. Strong Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship

    Funded by
    Leaders Scholarships
    This scholarship aims to support students who are pursuing their dreams of higher education so they can achieve all of their goals for the future.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • GPA: 3.5 or higher
    • Education Level: High school, undergraduate or graduate student
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Aug 25, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    12
  13. James T. Godwin Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    The Cybrix Group, Inc.
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of James T. Godwin by sharing his encouragement of learning with others while supporting those affiliated with the military.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Has a military family member (veteran or active duty)
    • Education Level: High school senior, trade school, undergraduate or graduate
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:Jun 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    5 winners
    13
  14. Alkenyatta Al Wilson Scholarship

    Funded by
    JACOPRI INC
    This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Alkenyatta Wilson by supporting students who want to make a difference in their communities.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate student
    Amount:$750
    Deadline:Jul 23, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    14
  15. Mental Health Importance Scholarship

    Funded by
    Pettable
    This scholarship aims to raise awareness of the mental health of college students by supporting students who prioritize their mental health.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Nov 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is in review
    15
  16. WayUp Dream Job No-Essay Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is perfect for any undergrad/grad students or recent graduates who are interested in internships or entry-level job opportunities.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Graduation Year: Between 2020 and 2026
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Jul 31, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    16
  17. Appily Adult Learners Scholarship

    Funded by
    Bold.org
    This scholarship is perfect for anyone over the age of 25 who is considering going back to school to start or complete their Bachelor's degree.
    All students are eligible
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:Apr 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    2 winners
    17
  18. Lauren Czebatul Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nick Scheller
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Lauren Czebatul by supporting students looking to pursue a higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or college freshman, sophomore, or junior
    • Financial Status: Low-income
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Extracurriculars: Sports & Volunteering
    Amount:$5,590
    Deadline:Aug 04, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    18
  19. Brandon Tyler Castinado Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Timothy Hunter
    The Brandon Tyler Castinado Memorial Scholarship aims to honor Brandon by supporting college students pursuing post-secondary education in nursing fields.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate students
    • Field of Study: Nursing
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Dec 20, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    19
  20. Johnny Douglas Conner Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Lew Family
    This scholarship aims to honor the memory of Johnny Douglas by supporting students who have been impacted by the military.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: Involved in the military or has family in the military
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:Aug 19, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    20
  21. Boatswain’s Mate Third Class Antonie Bernard Thomas Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Chris Thomas
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory of Antonie “Tony” Bernard Thomas by supporting a student who is pursuing higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate or graduate student
    • Background: Military service member, police officer, or family of military or police
    Amount:$1,500
    Deadline:Nov 07, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is in review
    21
  22. Veterans Next Generation Scholarship

    Funded by
    Richard and Stephanie Younkins
    In recognition of all that veterans have done for our country, this scholarship seeks to support the children of U.S. military veterans so they can pursue higher education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Family: Child of a veteran
    • Education Level: Undergraduate or trade school student
    Amount:$650
    Deadline:Jan 16, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    22
  23. Brandon M. Greber Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Deborah O'Connell / John Shinn
    This scholarship seeks to honor the memory and legacy of Brandon M. Greber by supporting students who are interested in a career in the military, as they pursue higher education to protect our country.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school junior or senior or undergraduate student
    • Background: Plans to enter the military
    Amount:$4,500
    Deadline:Sep 30, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    23
  24. Michael J. Burns Military Children Scholarship

    Funded by
    Jason Burns
    This scholarship aims to honor Michael J. Burns’ legacy of giving by supporting students from military families who need financial assistance to pursue their educational goals.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Background: From a military family
    Amount:$1,200
    Deadline:Sep 01, 2022
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    24
  25. Patriots Path Scholarship

    Funded by
    Navy Yacht Club Long Beach
    This scholarship aims to support JROTC and ROTC participants by making college more affordable and accessible.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate student
    • Involvement: ROTC or JROTC
    • GPA: 3
    Amount:$5,000
    Deadline:May 01, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    5 winners
    25
  26. Donald Mehall Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Theresa Mehall
    This scholarship aims to honor the legacy of Donald Mehall by supporting students who are connected to servicemembers.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school or undergraduate student
    • Identity: Spouse or dependent of a veteran
    Amount:$1,000
    Deadline:May 16, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    26
  27. Bernard W. Creque III Scholarship

    Funded by
    Creque
    This scholarship will support students who are family members of fallen soldiers.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: High school senior or undergraduate
    • Background: Is a family member of a fallen soldier
    Amount:$2,500
    Deadline:Oct 01, 2023
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    5 winners
    27
  28. Nonie Weikum Memorial Scholarship

    Funded by
    Kristi Stolzenberg
    This scholarship aims to honor Nonie Weikum’s life by supporting a military spouse pursuing their education.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Marital Status: Military spouse
    Amount:$500
    Deadline:May 31, 2022
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    28
  29. Miguel Mendez Social Justice Scholarship

    Funded by
    Nancy Roberts
    This scholarship will support students who are passionate about social justice and seek to enact change in their communities.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Education Level: Undergraduate
    • Background: Low-income and first-generation college student
    • GPA: 3.0 or higher
    • Career Path: Social Justice
    Amount:$3,000
    Deadline:Jul 19, 2024
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    3 winners
    29
  30. Military Student Debt Grant

    Funded by
    Pettable
    This scholarship seeks to support military veterans by helping them pay off their debt and take care of their mental health.

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Background: Military veteran
    • Financial Status: Has student loans
    Amount:$2,015
    Deadline:Aug 07, 2022
    One Click Apply
    Scholarship is awarded to
    1 winner
    30

Military dependents often face unique challenges when it comes to pursuing higher education. These challenges can include financial difficulties, frequent relocations, and the emotional toll of having a parent or guardian in the military. However, there are numerous scholarships available specifically for military dependents that can help alleviate some of these burdens.

Military dependents can find scholarships created to assist dependent children or spouses of military service members in pursuing their educational goals. These scholarships are designed to provide support and alleviate some of the financial challenges associated with higher education.

A variety of organizations and institutions, such as government agencies, military branches, veterans' organizations, and private foundations, offer scholarships for military dependents. These entities recognize the unique circumstances and sacrifices military families endure and aim to provide opportunities for their dependents to access quality education.

By offering these scholarships, these organizations and institutions acknowledge the importance of supporting military dependents in their educational pursuits. They understand that the financial burdens of higher education can be significant and strive to provide assistance to ease these challenges.

Military dependents can find hundreds of scholarships to apply for on Bold.org. Browse our scholarship search tool to learn more about scholarships for military dependents!

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Financial Challenges for Military Dependents and Families

Military service often comes with financial challenges for both the service member and their dependents. Frequent moves and deployments can disrupt employment opportunities for military spouses, making it difficult to maintain a stable income. According to the 2019 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey, nearly 60% of military families reported experiencing financial stress as a significant challenge. Additionally, costs associated with healthcare, child care, and education can place a significant strain on military families.

Best Military Dependent Scholarships

The United States Army Scholarships for Military Dependents

The United States Army offers several scholarships for military dependents.

The Army Emergency Relief Scholarships, for example, provide financial assistance to children and spouses of soldiers.

The Army ROTC Scholarship is another excellent option for those interested in joining the military while receiving an education.

The United States Air Force Scholarships for Military Dependents

The United States Air Force also offers various scholarships to support military dependents.

The Air Force Aid Society General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program provides grants to dependent children of active-duty, retired, or deceased Air Force service members.

The Air Force ROTC Scholarships offer financial assistance to those interested in pursuing a commission as an Air Force officer.

The United States Navy & Marine Corps Scholarships for Military Dependents

The United States Navy and Marine Corps provide a range of scholarships for military dependents.

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Gold Star Scholarship offers scholarships to children and spouses of Navy and Marine Corps members who died while on active duty.

The Navy ROTC and Marine Corps ROTC Scholarships are also available to military dependents who wish to pursue a commission as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.

The United States Coast Guard Scholarships for Military Dependents

Like other branches of the military, the United States Coast Guard provides scholarships for military dependents.

The Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships support dependents of Coast Guard members in their pursuit of higher education.

Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits

To combat the rising college tuition costs, the U.S. military offers financial assistance through "educational benefits" to its servicemen and women who wish to pursue a college education.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has many educational benefits that student veterans can take advantage of. Educational benefits to help pay for school or job training are provided to veterans primarily through two scholarship programs:

In June 2008, President Bush signed the Post-9/11 GI Bill into law to expand educational benefits for military veterans who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) is a scholarship program that can help pay for education and training programs for veterans who have served at least 2 years on active duty. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to see if you qualify for either of these education benefits.

However, only 43% of military undergraduates received veterans’ education benefits, while only 36% of military graduate students received veterans’ education benefits.

At Bold.org, we are committed to making college more affordable for active duty military, retired veterans, or dependent military personnel. Sign up for a free profile today to begin applying!

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United Service Organizations (USO) Scholarship

Offers financial assistance to military dependents pursuing higher education. The USO scholarship not only provides financial support but also offers mentorship and networking opportunities for recipients, creating a supportive community for military families.

Folds of Honor Scholarship

Focuses on supporting the dependents of disabled or fallen servicemen and women. This scholarship not only provides financial assistance for education but also offers counseling and support services to help military families navigate the challenges they may face. Folds of Honor is committed to honoring the sacrifices of military families and ensuring that their educational needs are met.

Bold.org Military Scholarships

At Bold.org, we value the service and sacrifices of our military community. Our Military Scholarships are designed to support active-duty military service personnel, veterans, and their families in their educational endeavors. We recognize the unique challenges faced by those who serve and have served, and we are committed to helping ease the financial burden of higher education.

Bold.org Military Scholarships offer financial support to active duty service members. These scholarships aim to help them further their education and advance in their careers.

Military Spouse Scholarships on Bold.org are dedicated to supporting the spouses of military personnel, including spouses of active duty service members and veterans, helping them pursue their own educational and professional goals while balancing the demands of military life.

Bold.org offers Military Children Scholarships, designed for the children of military members. These scholarships provide the financial aid needed for military children to achieve their academic dreams, which is one of the many ways to honor their parents' service.

Here at Bold.org, Veteran Scholarships are tailored for veterans by supporting their educational and career development endeavors.

New scholarships are added daily! Military dependents can be notified and updated when college scholarships are added by creating a Bold.org profile.

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States Offering Free College Tuition for Veterans & Dependents

Several states in the United States offer free college tuition for veterans, active service members, and their dependents. These programs vary by state and may have different eligibility criteria and restrictions. Below is a small list of the states that currently offer free tuition assistance for veterans and military dependents:

  1. Arkansas - The Arkansas GI Dependents Scholarship provides free tuition and fees for the dependents of veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result of service-connected injuries or diseases.
  2. California - The California College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents offers free tuition and fees for the dependents of veterans who died in the line of duty or as a result of service-connected injuries or diseases.
  3. Florida - The Florida GI Dependent Scholarship provides free tuition and fees for the dependents of veterans who died in the line of duty or due to service-connected injuries or diseases.
  4. Maryland - The Maryland Veterans and Military Families Scholarship provides free tuition and fees for veterans who served on active duty during certain periods of war or national emergency and military family members.
  5. New York - The New York State Excelsior Scholarship provides free tuition for veterans and their dependents who are New York state residents and meet certain income requirements.

How to Find Scholarships for Military Dependents

Military spouses and dependent children of active duty service members can find military scholarships by using the filters on the Bold.org scholarships page and browsing through the "Military" category. If you have a service-connected disability, you may even find some scholarship opportunities under the 'Disability' category for which you may be eligible.

Veterans can also find other relevant or more general scholarship awards to apply for by searching through the available scholarships on Bold.org. Be sure to try all of your options and utilize all of the resources available to you.

Completing the FAFSA form also determines your eligibility for federal student aid and federal financial aid programs, such as the federal Pell Grant and federal loans. The FAFSA also determines eligibility for annual scholarships awarded to support undergraduate students attending an accredited college.

Eligibility Criteria for Military Dependent Scholarships

Each scholarship program has its own eligibility criteria, so it's crucial to carefully review the requirements before applying. Common eligibility criteria for military dependent scholarships include:

  • Being the child or spouse of an active duty, reserve, or retired military service member
  • Meeting specific GPA requirements
  • Demonstrating financial need
  • Writing an essay or personal statement
  • Providing letters of recommendation

It's important to note that eligibility criteria can vary significantly from one scholarship program to another. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly read and understand the requirements for each scholarship you are interested in.

  • Moreover, in addition to the general eligibility criteria mentioned above, some military dependent scholarships may have specific requirements related to the branch of service of the military member, length of service, or even the military member's rank. 

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Tips for Winning Military Dependent Scholarships

Winning a scholarship may seem difficult, but you can employ certain strategies to help increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for winning military dependent scholarships:

Start early

Begin your scholarship search and application process as early as possible. Many scholarship programs have early application deadlines, so it's essential to give yourself enough time to gather all necessary documents, write compelling essays, and submit them on time.

Highlight Your Military Affiliation

Emphasize your unique perspective as a military dependent in your application materials. Describe how your experiences have shaped your values, goals, and aspirations.

Seek Financial Guidance

The Military often has financial counselors or education service officers who can provide guidance on scholarship opportunities and help you navigate the application process.

Showcase Your Achievements

Highlight your academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and community involvement in your scholarship applications. Providing evidence of your dedication and accomplishments can make a significant impact.

Submit Strong Application Materials

Take the time to craft a compelling and well-written essay that showcases your unique story and aspirations. Make sure to proofread thoroughly and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or writing tutors.

How to Apply for Military Dependent Scholarships

Applying for military dependent scholarships typically involves several steps. Here is a general overview of the application process:

Review Requirements

Carefully review the specific requirements for each scholarship you plan to apply for. Note application deadlines, necessary documents, essay prompts, and any other specified materials. For example, some scholarships may require applicants to be active military service members in the National Guard or engage in school and community activities. So, it's important to understand the criteria.

Gather Supporting Documents

Collect all necessary documentation, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, financial aid information, and proof of military affiliation. Pay close attention to any formatting or submission guidelines.

Write Your Essays

Craft compelling and authentic essays that address the essay prompts provided by each scholarship program but also highlight your unique perspective as a military dependent and how that has shaped you.

Submit Your Applications

Complete the online or paper application forms, ensuring that all required materials are attached or uploaded according to the scholarship program's instructions. Be sure to submit on time, if not early.

Stay Organized

It is helpful to maintain a spreadsheet or folder to keep track of all your scholarship applications and deadlines, as well as correspondence with scholarship providers so you can stay aware of each application's status and ensure you respond in a timely fashion.

Additional Resources for Military Dependents

Department of Defense Education Activity

Provides educational resources and support to military-connected students, including guidance on navigating the challenges of frequent relocations and accessing quality education.

Military OneSource

Offers information and guidance on a variety of topics, including education, scholarships, and counseling services. This comprehensive resource is available to service members and their families, providing support for all aspects of military life.

Student Veterans of America

This organization helps military dependents and veterans successfully transition into higher education and gain access to essential resources. SVA provides a network of support through chapters at various institutions, promoting academic and professional success. 

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Veterans and military students alike can unlock hundreds of scholarships for military personnel on Bold.org. If you're pursuing an undergraduate degree or even grad school, browse our easy scholarships to help alleviate your college costs today!

Frequently Asked Questions