Veteran Scholarships for Military Veterans Returning to School

Veteran scholarships are financial awards designed to help U.S. military veterans pay for college, career training, and professional certifications after completing their service. These scholarships are offered by nonprofit organizations, private foundations, colleges, and government programs to support veterans pursuing higher education and civilian careers.

Many veterans already qualify for federal education benefits such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can help cover tuition, housing, and books. Scholarships can often be used alongside these benefits to reduce remaining education costs or preserve GI Bill entitlement for future use.

Browse the veteran scholarships below to find funding opportunities specifically created for former service members pursuing undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, trade schools, or workforce training.

What Are Veteran Scholarships?

Veteran scholarships are scholarships and grants designed to support individuals who have completed active military service. Unlike generic scholarships, veteran scholarships are crafted to address the unique needs of veterans — including transition to civilian careers, reintegration into higher education, and financial challenges after service.

These scholarships may be offered by:

1. Federal and state government programs
2. Colleges and universities with veteran support initiatives
3. Nonprofit veteran service organizations
4. Corporate veteran support foundations
5. Military branch associations and veteran networks

They may fund undergraduate degrees, graduate programs, vocational or technical training, certifications, and workforce credentialing.

Who Qualifies for Veteran Scholarships

Veteran scholarships are designed for individuals who previously served in the U.S. Armed Forces and are continuing their education after military service.

Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship, but applicants may include:

1. Honorably discharged veterans returning to college
2. Veterans transitioning to civilian careers
3. Disabled veterans pursuing education or training
4. Veterans enrolling in vocational, undergraduate, or graduate programs
5. Student veterans pursuing degrees in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, or business

Many scholarship programs require proof of military service, transcripts, letters of recommendation, or personal essays describing career goals and leadership experience.

Types of Veteran Scholarships

Federal & State Veteran Scholarships

State-specific and federally supported awards for veterans returning to education.

Institutional Veteran Awards

Scholarships offered directly by colleges and universities for veteran students.

Need-Based Veteran Scholarships

Financial awards that consider economic need in addition to veteran status.

Field-Specific & Career Transition Scholarships

Scholarships tailored to veterans entering high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and education.

Service Organization & Nonprofit Scholarships

Support from veteran service organizations (VSOs), community foundations, and nonprofits dedicated to veterans’ education.

Corporate Veteran Support Scholarships

Scholarships funded by employers and corporate partners focused on veteran hiring pipelines and workforce development.

Veteran Scholarship Eligibility

Veteran scholarships typically require:

1. Proof of veteran status (Form DD-214, honorable discharge, VA ID, or equivalent)
2. Enrollment or acceptance at an accredited institution or training program
3. Academic records and transcripts
4. Personal statement or essay describing your goals
5. Letters of recommendation (varies by award)
6. Documentation of financial need (for need-based awards)

Some awards also consider:

1. Service branch
2. Years of service
3. Service-connected disability
4. Field of study
5. Leadership or community impact

How Veteran Scholarships Work with GI Bill Benefits

Veterans often combine scholarships with federal education benefits to maximize funding for their education.

Programs such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill can cover tuition, housing, and books while veterans attend college or training programs. Scholarships can help pay for additional costs such as fees, supplies, or living expenses not fully covered by federal benefits.

Learn more about how GI Bill education benefits work here.

Veterans can also explore state education benefits that may provide additional tuition waivers, scholarships, or in-state tuition protections.