Top Scholarships for Children of Veterans

To simplify the scholarship hunt, we've compiled a list of top scholarships for children of military families.

»MORE: How to Get a Scholarship

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

Children of individuals who serve or served in the U.S. Marine Corps can apply for financial awards through the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation's general scholarship program. This program also offers scholarships to children of U.S Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains and Religious Programs Specialists who are or were attached to a U.S. Marine Corps unit.

How to qualify: Applicants must plan to attend an accredited undergraduate college or vocational/technical institution, meet income requirements and have a 2.0 minimum GPA. Federal Service Academy students and those pursuing a second bachelor's degree are not eligible.

When to apply: January 1 to March 3 for undergraduate scholarships. Applications can be submitted anytime for career and technical education scholarships. Learn more.

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation

High school seniors and current college students who are children/stepchildren of members or former members of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force can apply for financial awards through the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation.

How to qualify: Candidates must be unmarried and under the age of 24 during the year of application. Applicants must attend a four-year accredited college or university. Applicants are evaluated based on academic proficiency, extracurricular activities, community service, references and an essay.

When to apply: Oct. 1 to March 15. Learn more.

Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarship Awards

The Tailhook Educational Foundation grants scholarships to children and grandchildren of individuals who serve or formerly served in the U.S. Navy as naval aviators, flight officers or aircrewmen, or as carrier aviation air wing or ship's company personnel.

How to qualify: Applicants must be accepted to an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university. Graduate students are not eligible.

When to apply: December 15 to March 1. Learn more.

John Cornelius/Max English Memorial Scholarship

The Marine Corps Tankers Association offers awards to children and grandchildren of current or former active, reserve, retired or honorably discharged members of the Marine Corps Tank Unit and current members of the MCTA.

How to qualify: High school seniors, college undergraduates and graduate students may apply. Applications must submit letters of recommendations, GPA information, information on school activities, and more.

When to apply: Deadline is March 30. Learn more.

MG James Ursano Scholarship Program

The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program offers financial awards to children of Army soldiers on active duty, children of retired soldiers, or children of soldiers who died while on active duty or retired status. Recipients may reapply each year to receive assistance for up to four academic years.

How to qualify: Scholarships are awarded based on financial need. To be eligible, students must be under the age of 23 and pursuing a four-year undergraduate degree. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

When to apply: January 1 to April 2. Learn more.

AMVETS National Scholarship Program

AMVETS provides scholarships to children and grandchildren of veterans, active duty servicemen and members of guard/reserves.

How to qualify: This award is open only to graduating high school seniors with 3.0 minimum GPAs. To be selected, candidates must show academic promise and financial need.

When to apply: August 3 to October 16. Learn more.

Women's Army Corps Veterans’ Association Scholarship

The Women's Army Corps Veterans' Association Scholarship grants scholarships to children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews of female members of the Army.

How to qualify: Graduating high school seniors must have a 3.5 minimum GPA and plan to enroll full time at an accredited college or university. Selections are made based on academic achievement, leadership, recommendations and a biographical sketch.

When to apply: Deadline is February 2. Learn more.

Lt Col Romeo and Josephine Bass Ferretti Scholarship

The Air Force Association provides scholarships for minor dependents of active duty or retired Air Force, Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard enlisted airmen.

How to qualify: The award is open only to graduating high school seniors pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or math. Recipients are chosen according to academic achievement, good character and financial need.

When to apply: Deadline is April 30. Learn more.

More ways to pay

The scholarships on this list are all great ways to help pay for college. But be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid so you get other sources of financial aid, too. The FAFSA is the key to unlocking grants, work-study opportunities and even additional private scholarships.

Once you’ve maxed out all initial payment options, including federal loans, consider private loans to cover additional costs. Private loans tend to carry higher interest rates than federal loans. They also have fewer protections and forgiveness options. Shop around and compare private student loans before choosing a lender.