How Military Students Can Win More College Scholarships

Start Early and Stay Organized

If you’re planning for college, you’ve probably already seen how quickly expenses can add up. Tuition, housing, books, and everyday costs can be challenging. Scholarships are one of the best ways to make college more affordable, and getting started early makes a big difference.

Students from military families often qualify for scholarships that others can’t. Many organizations, including The Uniformed Services Benefit Association^® (USBA^®), offer programs to recognize academic effort, leadership, and service. Applying takes time and effort, but it’s worth it when you have a plan.

Start by keeping everything in one place. Create a simple spreadsheet or notebook to track scholarship names, deadlines, and requirements. Save copies of your essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters in a single digital folder. Staying organized now means less stress when deadlines start to overlap later.

Scholarships for Military Families

Military life builds adaptability, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that scholarship programs value. There are many awards designed specifically for students connected to the armed forces.

For more opportunities built for military-connected students, visit Funding the Future: Scholarships for Military-Affiliated High School Seniors.

Use it as a guide to explore programs that fit your background and goals and start building your own list of scholarships to apply for throughout the year.

Spotlight: The USBA Dietrich Memorial Scholarship

Each year, the USBA Dietrich Memorial Scholarship recognizes students from Member families who demonstrate academic effort, leadership, and character.

Key details:

• Deadline: March 31, 2026
• Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of current USBA Members
• Materials: Transcript, essay, self-description, recommendation letter, and proof of acceptance
• How to Apply: Email or mail a completed PDF application

Learn more and apply.

Writing a Strong Application

A strong scholarship application clearly and authentically tells your story. Committees want to understand who you are and what motivates you, not just your grades or test scores.

Think about experiences that show leadership or persistence. Maybe you adjusted to a new school after a move, took on a leadership role in your community, or balanced academics during a deployment. These examples reveal resilience and responsibility—qualities that make an impression.

When you ask for recommendations, give teachers or mentors plenty of time. Share a few notes about your goals or achievements so they can make their letters more personal. Before submitting, proofread carefully and make sure every required item is included.

Combine Scholarships for Maximum Impact

Most students use several sources of funding to pay for college. Combine scholarships like the Dietrich Memorial with:

• Federal and state aid through FAFSA
• Branch-based programs such as Army Emergency Relief or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
• Local community scholarships through schools, civic groups, or credit unions
• Renewable awards that continue each year if you maintain your GPA

Even smaller scholarships can add up quickly. Treat each application as a step toward your larger goal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

You can strengthen your chances by avoiding a few common missteps:

• Missing deadlines or forgetting required materials
• Reusing the same essay for every scholarship
• Waiting too long to ask for recommendations
• Paying to apply for scholarships—legitimate programs are always free

Being organized and consistent helps you stand out from the crowd.

Final Thoughts

Applying for scholarships takes effort, but it’s one of the smartest ways to make college affordable. Each application helps you build valuable skills in writing, organization, and goal setting.

Students from military families bring unique experiences that scholarship committees value: resilience, responsibility, and service. Use those strengths as you apply for every opportunity available, including the USBA Dietrich Memorial Scholarship, open through March 31, 2026.

📩 Start your application today.