Scholarships for Military Service & College

Hey all, need some help here. My college counselor mentioned there are scholarships for those who are serving or planning to serve in the military, but couldn't give me the specifics. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Absolutely, there are indeed several scholarships aimed at assisting current military personnel, veterans, and their dependents with college costs. Some are awarded directly by the military branches, some by nonprofits, and some by educational institutions.

One of the most well-known programs is the G.I. Bill, specifically the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible servicemembers and veterans for programs such as undergraduate and graduate degree programs, vocational/technical training, correspondence training, and more. You may be eligible if you have at least 90 days of aggregate active duty service on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships are awarded to high school and college students who commit to joining the military after graduation. These scholarships can cover up to the full cost of tuition, along with a monthly stipend for personal expenses.

Furthermore, the Military Children Program is aimed at dependents of active or retired servicemembers. The program awards numerous scholarships, which can be used for tuition, books, laboratory fees, and other educational expenses.

Every branch of the military, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force, offers scholarships and grants, often through affiliated nonprofit organizations. The specifics of these programs may vary based on the branch, the individual's role in the service, and other variables.

Lastly, many colleges and universities in the U.S. offer scholarships for veterans, active-duty military, and their families. The details of these scholarships vary from institution to institution.

Please remember, applying for scholarships is like applying to college, you need to meet the deadlines, submit the necessary documents, and in some cases, write an essay. I hope this information gives you a good starting point. Good luck with your search!