What are scholarships for military dependents?
Scholarships for military dependents are financial aid awards specifically designed to support the educational pursuits of children and spouses of military personnel. These scholarships recognize the unique challenges faced by military families and aim to provide financial assistance to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses.
Here’s a categorized list of scholarships for military dependents:
A. Military-Affiliated Organizations
Many military-affiliated organizations offer scholarships specifically for military dependents. These scholarships may be based on academic achievement, financial need, or the service member's branch of service or deployment status. Some examples include:
1. Fisher House Foundation - Scholarships for Military Children
Details: $2,000 scholarships for children of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel. Must be a dependent child of a veteran or active-duty service member with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need and community service involvement. Here you have to write a short 500-word essay – the essay topic will be announced when the scholarship opens.
Number of Grants: Five hundred (500) scholarship grants.
Qualification:
i. Unmarried military dependent children under the age 23 who possess a valid Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card.
ii. Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full-time undergraduate program leading to a bachelor’s degree or a community/junior college designed to allow for a direct transfer into a four-year program.
iii. High school applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 basis). College applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. College freshmen must submit a first-semester college transcript.
Application Period: The application period for the 2025-2026 academic year has closed.
"The application period for the 2026-2027 academic year will open in December 2025."
Website: Fisher House Foundation
2. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF)
Details: Need-based scholarships ranging from $500 to $20,000 per year for children of active duty, reserve, or veteran Marines, focusing on undergraduate and career technical education programs. Must be a dependent child of a Marine, Navy FMF Corpsman, or Chaplain assigned to the Marines.
Eligibility:
i. Child or step-child of active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Marine, or a U.S. Navy Corpsman, Chaplain, or Religious Program Specialist attached to a Marine Corps unit, including those killed in service.
ii. Minimum 2.00 GPA
iii. Demonstrate financial need through a family-adjusted gross income of $123,000 or less for the 2023-24 tax year
Application Period: Annually from January 1 until March 1 for the upcoming academic year.
Website: Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
3. Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
Details: Scholarships range from $1,500 to $4,000 for children or stepchildren of active duty members of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force. Awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community involvement.
Eligibility:
i. Must be a dependent of a U.S. Navy Submarine Force member (6 years active duty or 8 years in submarine support).
ii. Must be unmarried and under 24 at the application deadline (March 15).
iii. Must be a high school senior or currently enrolled in an accredited college, vocational, or technical institute.
iv. Must be pursuing their first Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree or a vocational/technical certification.
v. Students attending Military Service Academies (e.g., USNA, West Point, USCGA) are ineligible.
Application Period: Scholarship applications for *New* applicants open Oct 1- March 15, annually.
Website: Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
4. Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
Details: Scholarships for college-age children of U.S. military personnel who were killed or permanently disabled in combat or training accidents. Supports college education for children of U.S. military personnel who have been killed or permanently disabled in combat or training accidents
Eligibility:
i. Must be in the spring semester of their senior year of high school, a high school graduate, or a full-time undergraduate, vocational, or trade school student.
ii. Scholarship applies only to undergraduate, trade, or vocational programs (first degree only).
iii. Applicants who have already earned an undergraduate degree are ineligible.
iv. Must be under the age of 26 at the time of application.
Website: Freedom Alliance
5. ThanksUSA Scholarships
Details: Need-based scholarships for military spouses and dependent children pursuing post-secondary education, including vocational and technical training. Must be a spouse or dependent child of an enlisted service member (E-1 to E-9) or a warrant officer (W-1 to W-5).Open to spouses and dependent children of active duty military personnel. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence (minimum 2.0 GPA).
Number and Amount: Hundreds of $3,000 scholarships.
Application Period: Opens in March and closes in May 15.
Website: ThanksUSA
6. The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Scholarship
Details: Provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Scholarships for children of military members who have died in the line of duty.
Students are eligible for up to $6,250 in scholarship assistance per academic year.
Eligibility:
i. Open to children of U.S. military service members (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) who died in the line of duty.
ii. Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an undergraduate or vocational program.
iii. No strict age limit, but applicants over 33 are reviewed case-by-case.
Application Period: Rolling admissions.
Website: Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
7. Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship
Details: Scholarships for dependents of Purple Heart recipients. Must be a child or grandchild of a Purple Heart recipient with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and demonstrate financial need.
Eligibility:
i. Graduate or upcoming graduate (current senior) of a high school or GED program.
ii. Accepted/enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited U.S. college, university, or trade school.
iii. Must have a minimum 2.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Application Period: The scholarship submission for the 2025 year opens March 1, 2025.
Website: Military Order of the Purple Heart
B. State-Based Programs
Some states offer scholarship programs that can be used for private school tuition. These programs may be need-based or merit-based, and eligibility requirements can vary. You can find information about state-based scholarship programs by contacting your state's department of education.
1. Florida - The Florida Family Empowerment Scholarship Program
Details: Provides scholarships for K-12 students, including children of military families, to attend private schools or other educational options. Income eligibility requirements apply. Must be a Florida resident. Priority is given to students whose household income does not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level or who are in foster care or out-of-home care. Then, to students whose household income exceeds 185% but does not exceed 400%.
Application Period: Rolling admissions, but early application is recommended.
Website: Florida Department of Education
2. Arizona - The Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) Program
Details: Provides funds to eligible students, including children of military families, to pursue education outside the public school system. Funds can be used for private school tuition, homeschooling, and other approved educational expenses. Applicants must be Arizona residents who meet criteria such as special needs or attending a failing school.
Application Period: Rolling admissions, applications typically open in January.
Website: Arizona Department of Education
3. Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP)
Details: Scholarships for students in Texas who commit to a four-year ROTC program and a four-year commitment to military service. Must be a high school senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and a score of 1000 on the SAT or 20 on the ACT.
Application Period: Opens in January and closes in May.
Website: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
4. North Carolina National Guard Tuition Assistance Program
Details: Provides tuition assistance to qualified members of the North Carolina National Guard and their dependents (spouses and children) pursuing post-secondary education at in-state public institutions. Assistance is based on available funding and eligibility criteria which may include service commitment and type of discharge from active duty service (if applicable). Applicant must be a member of the North Carolina National Guard or a dependent, enrolled in a North Carolina educational institution.
Application Period: Opens in July and closes in November for the fall semester.
Website: NC National Guard
5. Georgia Military Scholarship
Details: Provides full tuition scholarships to attend Georgia Military College for students who commit to serving in the Georgia Army National Guard upon graduation. Student must be a resident of Georgia and meet eligibility requirements set by Georgia Military College.
Application Period: Opens in October and closes in January. " February 1, 2025"
Website: Georgia Military College
C. Private Scholarship Organizations
There are many private scholarship organizations that offer scholarships for students from all backgrounds, including military dependents. You can find information about private scholarship organizations by searching online or by contacting your local library or guidance counselor.
1. Folds of Honor Scholarship
Details: Scholarships range from $5,000 to $15,000 per year for children of military members who have been killed or disabled in service. Must be a dependent child of a military service member who died or became disabled while on active duty.
Application Period: Opens February 1 and closes March 31.
Website: Folds of Honor
2. Pat Tillman Foundation - Tillman Scholars
Details: Scholarships for active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees. Awards cover the full cost of tuition and fees, living expenses, and educational stipends. Selects individuals who are committed to service after graduation.
Application Period: Opens in November and closes in February.
Website: Pat Tillman Foundation.
3. Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships
Details: Scholarships range from $2,000 to $20,000 per year for children of military service members who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. Sponsored by the Fisher House Foundation. Must be a dependent child of a service member who died or became permanently disabled in the line of duty since 9/11/2001. Selection based on academic achievement, leadership, and community service.
Application Period: Opens December 15 and closes February 15.
Website: Heroes’ Legacy Scholarships
4. The Mission Continues
Details: While primarily known for its fellowship program for post-9/11 veterans, this organization supports community-based service projects, which can also include educational pursuits for military dependents.
Application Period: Rolling admissions for fellowship programs.
Website: The Mission Continues
(The Mission Continues fellowship program is not a traditional scholarship and eligibility for educational funding is not guaranteed. Be sure to review their program details and eligibility criteria carefully.)
Questions and Answers
1. What are some common eligibility requirements for private school scholarships?
Answer:
Common requirements often include academic performance (GPA), financial need, community service, leadership qualities, letters of recommendation, and sometimes specific essays or personal statements.
2. Where can I find private school scholarships?
Answer:
Scholarships can be found through various sources including:
- School counselors and private school administrators
- Local community organizations and businesses
- National scholarship databases such as Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex
- Religious organizations if the private school has a religious affiliation
- Websites of private schools that list available scholarships and financial aid option
3. How can I make my scholarship application stand out?
Answer:
To make your application stand out:
- Write a compelling and personal essay that showcases your unique experiences and goals.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or community leaders who can attest to your character and achievements.
- Highlight your involvement in extracurricular activities and leadership roles.
- Ensure your application is neat, error-free, and well-organized.
4. Are there specific scholarships for military dependents attending private schools?
Answer:
Yes, some scholarships are specifically tailored for military dependents attending private schools, such as:
- The Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children
- ThanksUSA Scholarships
- The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Scholarship
5. What should I do if I miss a scholarship deadline?
Answer:
If you miss a deadline, it's usually not possible to apply for that scholarship for the current cycle. However:
- Check if the scholarship is offered annually and make a note to apply next year.
- Reach out to the scholarship provider to express your interest and ask if there are any late application opportunities or upcoming scholarships you can apply for.
Finding and applying for scholarships for private school can be a detailed and time-consuming process, but starting early, meeting all eligibility requirements, applying broadly, and staying organized with deadlines can significantly improve your chances of success. Utilize all available resources, from school counselors to online databases, to maximize your opportunities.