15 Scholarships for Students in the Military

By Jessica Lyons

Paying for a degree isn't always an easy task. Fortunately for military members, there are many who appreciate their service to our country and have scholarships available so they can afford to go to school.

1. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeanette L. Winters Memorial Scholarship

Offered through the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, this scholarship is in honor of Winters and other marines who died during a 2002 crash. It is worth $2,000 and can be applied toward undergraduate or graduate studies. In order to be eligible, a student must be on active duty in the marines or reserves or have been honorably discharged.

2. Green to Gold Scholarship

As part of the Army ROTC program, U.S. citizens with at least two years of active duty experience can apply for the Green to Gold Scholarship. The money can be applied to tuition or room and board expenses. Additionally, recipients can get money for books and other school-related supplies, along with a monthly stipend.

3. Blewitt Endowed Military Scholarship

This scholarship is offered by the University of Maryland University College. To be eligible, applicants must be single parents who are currently on active duty or wounded or ill service members. Financial need is also taken into consideration when selecting a recipient.

4. NSCS Student Scholarship for Military Service Award

Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars who have a GPA of at least 3.4 can apply for this scholarship, which is worth $1,000. According to the NSCS website, it will be 'awarded to a high-achieving student veteran who exemplifies the spirit of military service.' The student must plan on seeking a 4-year degree and already be enrolled in a higher education institution.

5. Tillman Military Scholars

Tillman Military Scholars is part of the Pat Tillman Foundation and is available to active service members, veterans and their spouses. Student pursuing undergraduate, graduate or post-graduate studies are eligible. Funds received can be applied to direct expenses like tuition and non-direct expenses such as childcare.

6. The Purple Heart Scholarship Program

This scholarship program is through The Military Order of the Purple Heart. Military members and their spouses and direct dependents can apply for this scholarship, which is worth $3,000. Some of the costs that the funds can be used for include tuition, books and room and board.

7. Military Service Scholarship

The Rochester Institute of Technology offers scholarships to its students who are active members of the military. These scholarships pay for 15% of tuition. Recipients can apply for it each year.

8. Kansas Military Service Scholarship

According to the Kansas Commission on Veterans' Affairs, the Kansas Military Service Scholarship is awarded to soldiers who served active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan for at least 90 days. The scholarship can be used at public colleges and universities in Kansas or at Washburn University. It can be renewed for up to ten semesters.

9. CCME Joe King Scholarship

Awarded by the Council of College and Military Educators to five students each year, this scholarship is for $1,000. It can be applied toward undergraduate or graduate studies. To be eligible, students must be active, reserves or guard uniformed service members.

10. AUSA Active Duty Service Member Scholarship

The Association of the United States Army awards this scholarship to a student who is an active member of the Army. The scholarship is through Jefferson Community College and applicants must be attending the school as either full-time or part-time students.

11. Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy Centennial Scholarship Program

This scholarship is worth $3,000 and is administered by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. Potential sailor/marine recipients must have been wounded during combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. Additionally, they must plan on earning a degree that will lead to teacher licensure.

12. Michael Wilson Scholarship

The Air Force Association Awards this scholarship to two Air Force ROTC cadets. To be eligible the cadets must be full-time students who are entering their junior or senior year. The scholarship is worth $15,000.

13. Our Future Scholarship

Offered by the Our Family for Families First Foundation, this scholarship is for the children of active duty military members who are serving at the Aberdeen Proving Ground or Forts Meade, Bragg, Polk, Ricker, Riley or Sill. Students must be graduating high school seniors with GPAs of at least 3.0. Recipients will get $50,000 to be used over the course of four years of study.

14. Legacy Scholarships

The Army Women's Foundation offers these scholarships to women who have served or are currently serving in the Army, Reserves or National Guard. Their children are also eligible. The scholarship can be used for community college or undergraduate studies.

15. Education Scholarship

The Florida Advisory Council Military Education provides this scholarship to active duty, guard or reserve members of the Air Force who are stationed in Florida. Spouses can also apply for the scholarship, which is worth $1,000. Applicants must be pursuing a degree.

Are you a service member who is trying to decide what to study? Here are some tips for picking an education program that's right for you.