Top Veteran Scholarships with Upcoming Deadlines in May 2025

Many veterans seek a college degree to increase their employment opportunities during their transition into life outside the military. An undergraduate degree or graduate degree can give veterans the educational support needed for a future job following their military service.

As a veteran, you have demonstrated your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving your country. Now, it's time to invest in yourself and your future. Scholarships for veterans not only provide financial support but also recognize and honor your service.

As a leading resource in scholarships and student finances, we provide veterans with tailored scholarship opportunities to support their transition into higher education and meaningful careers outside the military. Our team has thoroughly researched veteran education funding using reputable sources such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators to help veterans find the best financial aid options available.

Keep reading. We're going to discuss the best scholarship opportunities available for veterans, along with resources that can help you as a veteran student.

Bold.org has hundreds of scholarships for veterans and military students. Create a free Bold.org account and start applying today.

Best Scholarships for Military Veterans

1. Military Scholarships

These scholarships aim to honor your military service by assisting with educational expenses. Whether you're looking to find a new career path or further your education, these scholarships can provide the financial support necessary to achieve your goals. Our military scholarships support and honor military members, whether veterans or those on active duty, and are funded by Bold.org donors who wish to honor and show appreciation for our military service members.

2. Scholarships by Major

If you're a veteran pursuing a specific field of study, there are scholarships designed just for you. These awards are based on your chosen major, helping to ease the financial burden as you specialize in areas like engineering, healthcare, technology, or the arts. Our scholarships by major are funded by donors who are passionate about specific majors and want to share their passion with others who are also interested.

3. Scholarships by Academic Year

Recognizing that veterans may return to education at different stages, these scholarships are available for various academic years, from freshman undergraduates to final-year students. They ensure continuous support throughout your academic journey, attuning to your educational timeline. Our scholarships by academic year are created by donors who understand that at all grade levels, students can benefit from funds for school.

4. Need-Based Scholarships

These need-based scholarships aim to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of your educational aspirations. Many donors on Bold.org have funded these scholarships as they want to ensure financial hardship doesn’t stand in the way of your future.

5. Adult Scholarships

Understanding that many veterans may return to education later in life, these scholarships cater to adult learners looking to enhance their skills or change career paths. Veterans who are re-entering education after military service can find scholarships regardless of age. Our adult scholarships are created and funded by donors who want to help returning students, including veterans, have the funds they need to pursue studies.

6. The Pat Tillman Foundation

Established in 2004 to honor former NFL player and Army Ranger Pat Tillman, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships. The foundation's mission is to build a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

7. The Horatio Alger Military Veterans Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association offers scholarships to veterans who have served in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. These scholarships are intended for promising students who have critical financial need, demonstrate integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity, and are determined to succeed.

8. The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship

The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship is funded by Veterans United Home Loans. It provides financial assistance to veterans and active-duty service members pursuing college or vocational training. The program aims to support personal growth, professional development, and the pursuit of educational dreams for those who have served.

9. AMVETS Scholarships

AMVETS (American Veterans) offers scholarships for veterans, service members, and their families. These scholarships support various educational pursuits, including undergraduate and graduate degrees, vocational training, and certification programs.

10. Liberty University’s Heroes Fund Scholarship

Liberty University offers the Heroes Fund Scholarship to honorably discharged Gulf War veterans pursuing their first certificate, associate, bachelor's, or master's degree. The scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to service members and veterans who have been wounded in combat or are facing financial hardship.

Eligibility is specifically extended to those who are recipients of the Purple Heart or have a 50-100% disability rating from the Department of Veterans Affairs for combat-related injuries, illnesses, or conditions.

Don't feel limited to only these scholarship opportunities we've listed above: consider applying for scholarships that focus on your specific major, your specific grade level, your unique background, etc.

You can even apply for more general scholarships offered to all undergraduate students. At Bold.org, we have thousands of scholarships for you to browse through, so you're bound to find one that's the best fit for you!

Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits

The federal government is one of the biggest financial aid providers in the United States. The U.S. military offers financial assistance through "educational benefits" to its servicemen and women who wish to pursue a college education to combat the rising college tuition costs.

The Department of Veterans Affairs has many educational benefits that student veterans can use. Educational benefits to help pay for school or job training are provided to veterans primarily through two scholarship programs:

1. In June 2008, President Bush signed the Post-9/11 GI Bill into law to expand educational benefits for military veterans who have served on active duty after September 10, 2001.

2. The Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD) scholarship program can help pay for education and training programs for veterans who have served at least two years on active duty. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website to see if you qualify for either of these education benefits.

However, only 43% of military undergraduates received veterans’ education benefits, while only 36% of military graduate students received veterans’ education benefits.

Completing the FAFSA form also determines your eligibility for federal student aid and federal financial aid programs, such as the federal Pell Grant and federal loans. The FAFSA also determines eligibility for annual scholarships awarded to support military personnel who are undergraduate students attending an accredited college.

States Offering Free College Tuition for Veterans

Several states in the United States offer free college tuition for veterans, active service members, and their dependents. These programs vary by state and may have different eligibility criteria and restrictions. Below is a small list of the states that currently offer free tuition assistance for veterans specifically:

1. Maryland

The Maryland Veterans and Military Families Scholarship provides free tuition and fees for veterans who served on active duty during certain periods of war or national emergency and military family members.

Check out our Maryland Scholarships if you plan to attend college in Maryland.

2. New York

The New York State Excelsior Scholarship provides free tuition for veterans and their dependents who are New York state residents and meet certain income requirements.

Attending college in New York? Browse our New York Scholarships in addition to veteran-specific scholarships.

Program Opportunities for Active Duty Service Members & Their Families

1. Florida

Active Duty Military Waiver, which grants in-state residency for tuition purposes to active-duty military members stationed in or outside Florida, significantly reducing their tuition fees at public post-secondary institutions.

Aside from Florida's granting of in-state residency for active duty service members, we have a ton of Florida Scholarships you can apply for.

2. Virginia

All dependents of military service members stationed in Virginia are eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, irrespective of their official state of residency.

If you're studying in Virginia, take a look at our list of Virginia Scholarships.

3. Campus-Based Programs

Additionally, some institutions offer campus-based scholarship programs for veterans or active-duty students attending their college. Whether it's for veterans enrolled in undergraduate programs or veterans working towards a graduate degree, your university may have a scholarship program for veterans.

Check with your university, graduate school, or community college financial aid office about any exclusive scholarship opportunities.

4. Non-Profit Foundations that Help Service Members

There are also non-profit foundations that aim to help those who served active duty— or are family members of active duty veterans— and are now pursuing their post-secondary education by offering tuition assistance and scholarship programs. Check out these foundations and programs that provide college scholarships for veterans:

1. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
2. National Guard Educational Foundation
3. Afghanistan Service Grant
4. Legacy Scholarship Program
5. Spouse Tuition Assistance Program
6. Army Women's Foundation
7. Army Scholarship Foundation
8. America Scholarship Foundation
9. Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships

New scholarships are always added on Bold.org. Student veterans can get notified and updated when veteran scholarships are added by creating a Bold.org profile.

How to Apply for Veteran Scholarships for Your Undergraduate or Graduate Degree

Applying for veteran scholarships is easier when you break it down into steps. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Research scholarships that fit your goals – Look for scholarships from veterans’ organizations, military associations, and government agencies that align with your background and educational plans.
2. Check eligibility and deadlines – Each scholarship has specific requirements. Review them carefully and note deadlines to stay on track.
3. Gather necessary documents – Most applications require transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Some may ask for essays, project proposals, or even interviews.
4. Write a strong personal statement – Highlight your military experience, leadership skills, and future goals. This is your chance to show why you deserve the scholarship.
5. Prepare for additional requirements – Some scholarships may ask for extra materials, like essays or interviews. Be ready to put in the effort to make your application stand out.
6. Connect with past recipients – Reach out to veterans who have won scholarships before. They can offer helpful tips and advice to strengthen your application.
7. Stay organized and apply on time – Keep track of deadlines and submit applications ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.

Tips for Applying for Veteran Scholarships

1. Leverage Military Experiences

Your military service is a testament to your discipline, leadership, and resilience. Make sure to highlight how these qualities have prepared you for academic success and future career endeavors.

2. Understand Veteran-Specific Scholarships

Focus on scholarships specifically designed for veterans. These are tailored to appreciate your service and may cater to your unique background and future goals.

3. Connect Your Service to Your Goals

Demonstrate how your military experience has influenced your educational and career aspirations. Make clear connections between your service and how it has shaped your ambitions.

4. Utilize Veteran Resources

Take advantage of veteran support organizations and resources available for transitioning service members. They can offer guidance, mentorship, and additional support in the scholarship application process.

5. Engage with Your Veteran Community

Letters of recommendation from fellow veterans or military leaders who have witnessed your growth and contributions can be incredibly powerful. Their insights into your service and character can add significant weight to your application.

6. Tailor Your Application

Each scholarship is different. Tailor your application to reflect the mission and values of the scholarship provider, especially how they align with your military service and future goals.

7. Proofread with Precision

Attention to detail is crucial in the military and in scholarship applications. A well-edited application reflects your professionalism and dedication.

8. Share Your Story

Your journey, challenges overcome, and achievements during and after your service can make your application memorable. Personal anecdotes that reflect growth and resilience can be particularly compelling.

Additional Resources for Veterans

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive information on VA education benefits that help veterans, service members, and their qualified family members with needs like paying college tuition, finding the right school or training program, and getting career counseling. This includes guidance on how to apply for and manage the education and training benefits you’ve earned.

2. Veterans Education Success

This organization offers a wide range of services, including assistance with finding schools and scholarships, handling issues like school closures or deceptive practices by institutions, and helping with student loans. They are committed to advancing higher education success for veterans, service members, and military families while ensuring the integrity of the GI Bill and other federal education programs.

3. ACT Now Education

Provides over 40,000 free resources dedicated to the U.S. military community, including active duty personnel, veterans, reservists, the National Guard, military spouses, and dependents. They offer various services, including certifications, employment assistance, and educational resources, all aimed at empowering the U.S. military community.

If you're looking for more scholarships for those in the armed forces or general college information, check out our blog.