Funding the Future: Scholarships for Military-Affiliated High School Seniors
1/23/2025
Paying for college as a military-affiliated high school senior can be less stressful if you leverage scholarships specifically designed for this demographic. The Uniformed Services Benefit Association® (USBA®) has compiled a list of scholarships specifically for military high school seniors, along with tips to help maximize financial aid opportunities.
Exclusive for USBA Members!
- USBA Services, Inc. Dietrich Scholarship
- Provides scholarships to graduating high school seniors related to USBA Members
- Awards up to $2,000
- Apply here
Scholarships for Military High School Seniors
- Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children
- Open to children of active-duty, reserve, or retired military members.
- Awards range from $2,000.
- Deadline: Typically in February.
- Website: militaryscholar.org
- Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
- For children of active-duty, reserve, or veteran Marines and Navy Corpsmen.
- Financial need-based scholarships.
- Website: mcsf.org
- Army Emergency Relief Scholarships
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance
- Interest-free loans and scholarships for children of Navy and Marine Corps members.
- Awards up to $3,000 per academic year.
- Website: nmcrs.org
- Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Scholarships
- Offers interest-free loans and scholarships for military families.
- Selection based on academics and leadership.
- Website: moaa.org
- Air Force Aid Society Education Support
- Scholarships and grants for dependents of Air Force members.
- Website: afas.org
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Voice of Democracy
- Open to high school students nationwide, including military dependents.
- Essay contest with awards up to $35,000.
- Website: vfw.org
- American Legion Scholarships
- The American Legion’s scholarships provide financial assistance to high school students with exceptional academic and leadership qualities, including those participating in youth programs or connected to military service.
- Website: legion.org
- Pat Tillman Foundation Scholars Program
Additional Tips for Financial Aid:
- File the FAFSA Early
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to maximize access to grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
- Search State-Specific Scholarships
- Many states offer scholarships for military families, often found through state veteran affairs offices.
- Consider ROTC Scholarships
- Military-affiliated students can apply for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships to cover tuition, fees, and stipends in exchange for military service.
- Reach Out to School Financial Aid Offices
- Many universities offer additional scholarships for military families, especially those near bases or with large ROTC programs.
- Look into Private Scholarships
- Websites like Scholarships.com and Fastweb allow you to search for scholarships using filters like military affiliation.
Taking advantage of the resources provided by the Uniformed Services Benefit Association can significantly reduce the financial burden of college.
Uniformed Services Benefit Association® (USBA®) is a nonprofit Association that provides group life insurance, health insurance supplements, and other products and services to military personnel, Federal employees, National Guard and Reserve members, Veterans and their families.
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