2. Apply for Financial Aid

Scholarship Programs for Student Dependents of U.S. Military Members

Each branch of the United States military offers some form of educational assistance -- scholarships, grants, or low-interest loans -- to dependents of active-duty, retired and deceased service members. Eligible students can pursue these resources, in addition to the traditional funding avenues, to pursue their education and career goals.

Veterans Administration Benefits

  • Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program
    Provides up to 36 months of education and training benefits to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition; who died while on active duty or as a result of such a condition; or who are missing in action or detained. Benefits can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training..

  • Fry Scholarship
    Available to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, or from a service-related disability. Covers tuition and fees, provides a monthly housing allowance, and offers a stipend for books and supplies for up to 36 months..

Note: Dependents of service members who died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, may be eligible for both DEA and Fry Scholarship benefits based on the same event.

Army Emergency Relief

  • MG James Ursano Scholarship Program
    Helps children of Army soldiers pursue their first undergraduate degree. Award amounts vary annually based on the number of applicants, the total approved scholarship budget, and the applicant's Student Aid Index from their FAFSA and average cost of attendance of a college in the US (per CollegeBoard).

Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)

  • General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program
    Awards grants of $500 to $2,000 to eligible dependents of Air Force or Space Force members (active duty, retired, deceased, Title 10 Reservists on extended active duty, and Title 32 Guard on full-time duty). Applicants must attend an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Supplemental Education Loan
    The AFAS also offers a no-interest loan to help with college expenses. Dependents who have already successfully completed both parts of the Arnold Education Grant application may apply. The same eligibility criteria required for the Arnold Education Grant are required for the Supplemental Education Loan.
  • Merit & Grit Scholarships
    Each year the AFAS awards a minimum of 10 scholarships to incoming freshmen students joining the Air Force who demonstrate outstanding academic potential. Eligible applicants will be contacted directly by the AFAS with details on submitting end-of-year high school transcripts and an essay on a specified topic.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

  • Education Assistance Program
    The Society offers interest-free loans and scholarships to student dependents of active duty, retired, or deceased sailors and marines. Funds may be used for undergraduate education at accredited two- or four-year U.S. institutions.

Coast Guard Foundation

  • Coast Guard Foundation Scholarship
    Available to children of active duty, retired, or active reserve Coast Guard members entering or enrolled full-time in accredited colleges or technical schools. Awards typically range from $2,000 to $5,000.
  • Fallen Heroes Scholarship
    Covers 100% of higher education expenses for the dependents of deceased Coast Guard members.
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