Top Military Scholarships to Apply for in May 2026

For those who serve, education should never be out of reach. As an active-duty service member, balancing military commitments with higher education can be challenging, but financial barriers shouldn’t stand in your way. Whether you're active duty, a veteran, or a dependent, there are plenty of military scholarships to help make college more affordable.

As a trusted resource in scholarships and financial aid, we're committed to helping military service members, veterans, and their families access the funding they deserve. For this guide, we’ve researched top military programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Air Force Aid Society, among others, to provide you with the information you need to find funding for college.

Keep reading to find out which scholarships can help you pay for school and discover helpful resources like the U.S. Veterans magazine and more.

If you're looking for scholarship awards for the upcoming year, sign up for free on our site and start applying today.

Best Military Scholarships for Service Members

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Many organizations recognize the dedication and skills of active-duty military members through merit-based scholarships. These scholarships reward outstanding academic performance, leadership, and commitment to service. Our merit scholarships are funded by generous donors who recognize the hard work and dedication it takes to excel academically. They’re passionate about supporting students who strive for success. Browse through our list.

2. Undergraduate Scholarships

Active-duty service members pursuing their first degree can access specialized undergraduate scholarships to help ease tuition costs. Our undergraduate scholarships are created by many donors who wish to give back to students studying various fields. Check them out today.

3. Veteran Scholarships

Transitioning out of active duty? Our veteran scholarships provide financial support to those who have served and recognizes the sacrifices they've made. Look at our veteran scholarships funded by donors who wish to show appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made.

4. Military Spouse Scholarships

Military spouses make significant sacrifices alongside their service members. These scholarships for military spouses provide education funding to support career growth despite frequent relocations. Check out our military spouse scholarships funded by donors who wish to honor military spouses.

5. Military Dependent Scholarships

Children and dependents of active-duty service members can receive educational support through military-dependent scholarships. Take a look at our list today and find scholarships from real donors who support military dependents.

6. Scholarships for Military Children

For the children of service members, multiple scholarship programs exist to ease the financial burden of college. Our scholarships for military children are created and funded by donors who are affiliated with the military and everyday people who wish to honor and help the families of military service members.

7. Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation offers need-based aid to the children of Marine and Navy Corpsmen, with over million awarded annually. This scholarship provides essential financial assistance to students pursuing higher education while honoring the legacy of Marine families.

8. National Military Family Association Scholarships

The National Military Family Association provides scholarships for military spouses seeking degrees, certifications, and career training. These funds help military spouses advance their education and secure meaningful employment despite the challenges of military life.

9. Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Scholarship Fund

The Military Officers Association of America supports military children through interest-free loans and grants. Eligible dependents of uniformed service members can apply for financial assistance to help cover tuition, books, and housing.

10. Allied Van Lines Military Scholarship

Allied Van Lines Military Scholarship offers active-duty military members and their dependents a scholarship to help them pursue higher education. This program is part of their commitment to supporting the military community and easing the financial challenges of college tuition.

As an active military service member, whether in the National Guard or the U.S. Navy, you will find several opportunities to help pay for college. See our full list of scholarships and start applying today.

How to Apply for Military Scholarships

Here’s a clear path to follow:

1. Research and Identify Opportunities

Start by researching military-affiliated scholarships available through branches of service, veterans’ organizations, and government programs at the state and federal levels.

2. Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documentation, which may include:

1. Proof of military service (e.g., DD-214, active-duty orders, or military ID)
2. Academic records (transcripts, diplomas, or certifications)
3. Letters of recommendation (e.g., from commanding officers, instructors, or community leaders)

3. Craft Compelling Essays or Personal Statements

Craft a compelling essay or personal statement that highlights your military experience, leadership skills, career goals, and how the scholarship will support your education. Align your statement with the values and mission of the scholarship provider.

4. Complete Application Forms

Carefully fill out all required forms, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Double-check that all necessary documents are attached before submission to avoid processing delays.

5. Submission Process

Submit your application and supporting documents on time. Keep copies for your records and, if possible, confirm receipt with the scholarship provider.

Tips for Winning Military Scholarships

1. Start Early

Research scholarships well in advance. Many military scholarships require service-related documentation, transcripts, and letters of recommendation, so allow yourself plenty of time to gather all required materials.

2. Align Your Application with Military Values

Tailor each application to emphasize your military service, leadership experience, and commitment to service. Highlight achievements that align with the scholarship’s mission, whether it’s academic excellence, leadership, or community impact.

3. Choose Recommenders Strategically

Seek recommendations from leaders who can speak to your character, military accomplishments, and work ethic—such as commanding officers, senior enlisted mentors, or military instructors. Provide them with scholarship details to help them tailor their letters.

4. Proofread and Perfect

Errors can undermine an otherwise strong application. Review all forms and essays carefully, and have a mentor, colleague, or academic advisor proofread for clarity and professionalism.

5. Stay Organized and Meet Deadlines

Keep track of application requirements, deadlines, and submission confirmations using a spreadsheet or planner. Missing a deadline or forgetting a required document can cost you a valuable opportunity.

Additional Resources for Military Members

1. U.S. Veterans Magazine

If you're an active-duty service member looking for scholarship opportunities, U.S. Veterans Magazine is a great resource. It regularly features education benefits, scholarship listings, and advice on funding your degree while serving. The magazine also highlights military-friendly schools and programs.

2. Air Force Aid Society

For Air Force service members, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) offers financial assistance that can help cover school-related expenses. While many AFAS education programs focus on dependents, active-duty Airmen and Guardians can apply for grants and emergency financial support that may assist with tuition, books, or unexpected costs that impact their ability to continue their studies. It’s worth checking with AFAS to see what financial resources you might qualify for.

3. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships

While ROTC scholarships are typically for students planning to commission, some programs offer scholarships for enlisted service members who want to become officers. Programs like the Green to Gold (Army ROTC) and Seaman to Admiral (Navy ROTC) provide full tuition, stipends, and other benefits to active-duty members who transition to college full-time before commissioning as officers.

Military-connected students will find that financial aid offered to them can help in significant ways. There are tons of opportunities for military family, community, and veteran students to help alleviate the financial burden of higher education. For more resources on student finances and education, take a look at our blog.