What is a Military Spouse Scholarship?
Military spouse scholarships are financial awards specifically designed to support the educational and career aspirations of spouses of military service members. These scholarships aim to alleviate financial burdens and help spouses achieve their academic and professional goals, despite the unique challenges associated with military life, such as frequent relocations and career interruptions.
Why Apply for Military Spouse Scholarships?
- Financial Assistance: Reduce the cost of tuition, books, and other educational expenses.
- Career Advancement: Gain qualifications and skills that can lead to better job opportunities.
- Personal Growth: Pursue personal interests and academic passions.
- Support Network: Connect with other military spouses and organizations that understand the unique challenges of military life.
Military spouses face unique challenges, including frequent relocations and career disruptions. Scholarships tailored specifically for military spouses can alleviate financial burdens and support their educational and career aspirations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the top scholarships available in 2024 for military spouses in the US:
Top Military Spouse Scholarships for 2024
Here is a list of scholarships which is still available in 2024 for military spouses:
1. Think GREAT Scholarship for Military Spouses
- Awarded by: Think GREAT Foundation
- Amount: Up to $5,000 per academic year ($20,000 lifetime)
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty, veteran service members, National Guard/Reserves (must have served post-9/11/2001)
- All spouses must be enrolled in a community college, college, or university course accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or enrolled in a certificate, licensure, or technical program.
- Scholarship awardees must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 and continue to make satisfactory progress toward a degree to remain eligible for follow-on scholarship disbursements.
- Applications are required for each academic school year.
- Deadline: August 5th, 2024
- Details: Funds are awarded per payment term (fall, spring, or summer).
2. National Military Family Association (NMFA) Spouse Scholarships
- Awarded by: National Military Family Association
- Amount: $500 - $2,500 (one-time/year)
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty, National Guard, and reserve service members (all branches)
- You have, or are eligible to hold, a valid military/Uniformed Services ID.
- Deadline: Applications for fall semester are due by June 30th, but accepted year-round.
- Details: NMFA Spouse Scholarships
3. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
- Awarded by: Pat Tillman Foundation
- Amount: Average of $10,000
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty or veteran service members (including surviving spouses)
- Pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or professional degrees (full-time enrollment required)
- There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply. However, in order to be considered for scholarship renewability for subsequent years, a minimum 3.0 GPA must be earned and maintained.
- Deadline: February 1st, 2025 (next application window)
- Details: Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
4. Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
- Awarded by: Veterans United Foundation
- Amount: 10 one-time scholarships totaling up to $50,000
- Eligibility:
- Surviving spouses from a service-related death
- Currently enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university for the upcoming semester
- Pursuing associate's, bachelor's, graduate, post-graduate, or doctoral degrees
- Must be comfortable sharing their story
- Deadline: February and October
- Details: Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
5. Military Spouse Scholarships & Caregiver Scholarships (Hope for the Warriors)
- Awarded by: Hope for the Warriors
- Amount: Varies depending on the specific scholarship offered by Hope for the Warriors
- Eligibility: Varies depending on the specific scholarship offered by Hope for the Warriors
- Deadline: Application deadlines vary depending on the scholarship program. See website for details.
- Details: Hope for the Warriors Scholarships
- Scholarship Types:
- Honorary Scholarship – For graduate or postgraduate degree seekers.
- Restoring Family Scholarship – For spouses of the fallen.
- New Beginnings Scholarship – For those pursuing entry-level classes or training.
- Restoring Hope Scholarship – For MSW students.
- Restoring Self Scholarship – For those seeking any undergraduate degree.
6. Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program
- Awarded by: Army Emergency Relief
- Amount: Each year is different, between $500-$2,200
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty or retired soldiers
- Widows(ers) pursuing their first undergraduate degree (full or part-time at accredited college)
- Award based on financial need
- Deadline: Applications accepted year-round, but application windows vary.
- Details: Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program
7. The Corvias Foundation Scholarship for Military Spouses
- Awarded by: Corvias Foundation
- Amount: $5,000 annually
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty service members stationed at selected military installations
- Plan to attend a community, technical, or four-year college (for profit and proprietary schools upon review) as an undergraduate or graduate student for the entire 202-2024 academic year
- Deadline: July 2024
- Details: Corvias Foundation Scholarship
8. Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarships by National Military Family Association (NMFA)
- Awarded by: National Military Family Association
- Amount: Varies
- Eligibility:
- Open to spouses of active duty, retired, or reserve/guard military members
- Deadline: Rolling
- Details: NMFA Patton Scholarships
Scholarships Opening in 2025
In case you missed the deadlines for some of the following scholarships, for next year's approach these scholarships will be helpful:-
1. Hope for the Warriors Military Spouse Scholarship
- Awarded by: Hope for the Warriors
- Amount: Varies
- Eligibility:
- Post 9/11 spouses/caregivers
- Funds can be used for tuition, books, and supplies at an accredited university, college, or trade school
- Deadline: April
- Details: Hope for the Warriors Scholarships
- Scholarship Types:
- Honorary Scholarship – For graduate or postgraduate degree seekers.
- Restoring Family Scholarship – For spouses of the fallen.
- New Beginnings Scholarship – For those pursuing entry-level classes or training.
- Restoring Hope Scholarship – For MSW students.
- Restoring Self Scholarship – For those seeking any undergraduate degree.
2. Folds of Honor
- Awarded by: Folds of Honor
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Eligibility:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate program leading to a Bachelor’s degree, or an accredited technical/trade school program resulting in a certificate/diploma (no Bachelor’s degree holders)
- Deadline: Opens February and ends March
- Details: Folds of Honor Scholarships
3. The Patriot Education Fund
- Awarded by: The Patriot Education Fund
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of E1-E5, Post-9/11 military members eligible for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
- Demonstrates financial need
- Deadline: Ends in May
- Details: The Patriot Education Fund
4. The Navy Wives Club of America-NMCCG Enlisted Dependent Spouse Scholarship
- Awarded by: Navy Wives Club of America
- Amount: Up to $1,500 each
- Eligibility:
- Enlisted spouses of active duty and retired service members in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, including widows/widowers
- Deadline: March 31st
- Details: Navy Wives Club of America Scholarships
5. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Awarded by: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
- Amount: Interest-free loans and grants between $500 and $3,000
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty or retired sailors or marines
- Pursuing undergraduate or post-secondary education at accredited institutions
- Deadline: May, opens March
- Details: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Scholarships
6. AFA Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship Program
- Awarded by: Air & Space Forces Association (AFA)
- Amount: Two scholarships, $2,500 each
- Eligibility:
- Spouses of active duty Air Force or Space Force, Air National Guard, or Air Force civilian employees
- Deadline: April
- Details: AFA Mike & Gail Donley Spouse Scholarship
7. Delta Dental Grants
- Awarded by: Delta Dental
- Amount: Five grants, $2,000 each
- Eligibility:
- Military spouses pursuing programs in dentistry, nursing, home healthcare aid, or caregiver training
- Deadline: April
8. The Coast Guard Foundation Lisa Cook Reed Spouse Education Scholarship
- Awarded by: Coast Guard Foundation
- Amount: $500
- Eligibility:
- Enlisted Coast Guard spouses in ranks E3-E6
- Studying at a nationally or regionally accredited educational institution
- Award covers books, school fees, transportation, as well as childcare costs
- Deadline: March
- Details: Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships
9. FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship
- Awarded by: FINRA Foundation
- Amount: Covers the costs of the AFC® training and testing
- Eligibility:
- Provides military spouses the opportunity to earn the AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®) certification
- Full-time undergraduate or graduate university students are eligible
- Deadline: The application window reopens in March
- Details: FINRA Foundation Fellowship
Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships
- Start Your Search Early
- Begin looking for scholarships well in advance to give yourself ample time to prepare and submit applications. Early searches also increase the chances of finding more opportunities.
- Meet All Eligibility Requirements
- Carefully read and understand the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to ensure you qualify before applying. This saves time and ensures you’re applying to scholarships where you meet all the necessary conditions.
- Apply for as Many Scholarships as Possible
- Applying to multiple scholarships increases your chances of receiving financial aid. Different scholarships have varied criteria, and casting a wide net can improve your odds of securing funding.
- Keep Track of Deadlines
- Use a planner or digital calendar to track application deadlines. Set reminders well ahead of time to avoid last-minute submissions and ensure you meet all deadlines.
- Prepare a Strong Application
- Gather all necessary documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of military affiliation. Write compelling essays and personal statements that highlight your achievements, goals, and the impact of your military lifestyle.
What are the benefits of military spouse scholarships?
Military spouse scholarships offer a range of benefits, providing much-needed financial assistance that enables spouses to pursue higher education and career development without the added stress of financial burdens. These scholarships help cover costs such as tuition, books, supplies, and sometimes even living expenses.
Beyond the financial support, these scholarships often connect recipients with a supportive community of fellow military spouses and veterans, fostering a network of encouragement and shared resources. They also provide opportunities for personal growth and career advancement by helping spouses acquire new skills, earn degrees, and gain qualifications that can lead to better job prospects. In essence, military spouse scholarships are a gateway to educational and professional opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for military families.
Who is eligible for military spouse scholarships?
Eligibility for military spouse scholarships varies depending on the specific scholarship program. However, most scholarships are open to spouses of active duty, veteran, National Guard, and reserve service members. Some scholarships extend eligibility to surviving spouses, spouses of retired military personnel, and sometimes to caregivers of disabled veterans.
Generally, applicants must provide proof of their relationship to the service member, such as a marriage certificate and documentation of the service member’s military status. Other criteria may include the level of education being pursued (undergraduate, graduate, vocational training), the applicant’s academic record, and financial need. It is important to carefully review the eligibility requirements for each scholarship to ensure you qualify before applying.
How can I find the right scholarship for me?
Finding the right scholarship involves a few strategic steps. Start by identifying your educational goals and specific needs, such as the degree or certification you are pursuing and any financial gaps you need to fill. Next, search for scholarships that match these criteria.
Utilize resources like military family organizations, scholarship databases, and educational institutions that often have lists of available scholarships. Websites dedicated to military families, such as Military.com, National Military Family Association (NMFA), and others, provide comprehensive lists of scholarships for military spouses.
You can also reach out to the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, as they might have information on specific scholarships for military spouses. Regularly checking these resources and staying updated on new opportunities will increase your chances of finding the right scholarship.
How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
To improve your chances of winning a scholarship, it’s essential to submit a complete and compelling application that meets all the eligibility requirements. Start by thoroughly reading the application instructions and criteria to ensure you qualify and understand what is required.
- Highlight Your Achievements and Goals: Clearly articulate your educational and career goals, and explain how the scholarship will help you achieve them. Highlight any academic achievements, leadership roles, community service, and other experiences that showcase your dedication and suitability for the scholarship.
- Impact of Military Lifestyle: Discuss the unique challenges and opportunities you have experienced as a military spouse. This can include frequent relocations, managing family responsibilities during deployments, and other aspects that demonstrate your resilience and adaptability.
- Personal Statement or Essay: Write a compelling personal statement or essay that tells your story. Be authentic and sincere, and make sure your essay is well-organized and free of errors. Having someone else review your essay can provide valuable feedback and catch any mistakes.
- Complete All Requirements: Ensure that all required documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of military affiliation, are included in your application. Missing documents can result in your application being disqualified.
- Adhere to Deadlines: Submit your application before the deadline. Late applications are often not considered, so use a calendar or reminder system to keep track of important dates.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, applying for multiple scholarships can increase your chances of receiving financial aid. Be sure to keep track of different deadlines and tailor each application to meet specific requirements.
By leveraging these scholarship opportunities, military spouses can achieve their educational and career goals despite the unique challenges they face. Each scholarship program has specific eligibility criteria and deadlines, so careful planning and preparation are key to a successful application.