Navigating College Costs: A Guide to Navy Dependent Scholarships and Resources

Sea service members with children face unique challenges, from long deployments to constant relocations. College should never be out of reach for a family member of the sea services. To support these families, numerous scholarships and grants are available for Navy dependents, including spouses and children. This article explores various financial aid opportunities designed to help Navy families achieve their educational goals.

Understanding the Landscape of Financial Aid

Military dependents can access many grants and scholarships that can help alleviate the cost of college and may even make it free to attend. Specialized financial aid is an important way to show support to military dependents. Depending on whether you’re a military spouse or military child, there are different financial aid options available. Military dependents can get financial support for college through the VA, federal government, and private organizations.

It's important to understand the difference between scholarships and grants. Scholarships are typically awarded based on merit, academic potential, community service, letters of recommendation, and need. Grants, on the other hand, are usually awarded based on financial need and, like scholarships, do not have to be repaid.

Key Scholarship Programs for Navy Dependents

Several organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for dependents of Navy service members. Here's a detailed look at some prominent programs:

Navy League Foundation Scholarships

The Navy League Foundation guarantees support by awarding scholarships to high school seniors who will attend college in the fall. The Navy League Foundation only offers scholarships for high school seniors who will attend an accredited institution of higher education in the Fall of the current award cycle. The Navy League Foundation exists through the generous donations of people like you helping to defray the cost of college education. The Navy League Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and your donations and support are tax deductible.

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Currently, the Navy League Foundation has a total of 25 endowed scholarships. The scholarships listed above will be available this cycle. If a scholarship is not listed, it’s not available this cycle.

Captain J. Phillip London Scholarship: This scholarship honors the legacy of Capt. J. Phillip “Jack” London, USN (Ret.), a respected naval officer, business leader, and champion of service and integrity. Created to reflect his lifelong dedication to education and the sea-service community, this scholarship supports the children and grandchildren of enlisted sea-service personnel who are pursuing higher education and maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. Through this award, the Navy League Foundation celebrates Capt.

Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation

The Wings Over America Scholarship Foundation aims to provide college scholarships to dependent children and spouses of all US Navy - officer and enlisted - active duty, retired, or deceased who served within Naval Air Forces.

Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty or retired Navy aviation personnel may apply. You must be seeking your first degree at an accredited college or technical school.
Award Amount: \$5,000
Application Deadline: March

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation

This foundation offers ongoing scholarships to the children or spouses of members or former members of the submarine force or support staff. The scholarship supports vocational and trade studies and undergraduate degree programs.

Eligibility: Applicants must be unmarried and under the age of 24.
Award Amount: \$1,500-\$4,000
Application Deadline: March

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance Program offers financial assistance, including interest-free loans, scholarships, and grants for dependents of active-duty or retired sailors or marines.

Eligibility: You must enroll as a full-time student and be registered in the Defense Eligibility Enrollment Reporting System. You must have a 2.0 GPA or higher, demonstrate financial need, and be under the age of 23.
Award Amount: \$500-\$3,000
Application Deadline: May

UDT-SEAL Scholarships and Had Richards UDT-SEAL Memorial Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to dependents of UDT-SEAL Association members who have served, or are currently serving, in the Armed Forces and the Navy Special Warfare community.

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Eligibility: Dependent children are eligible to apply, provided the Association member has paid his or her dues for the last four consecutive years. Qualified applicants are single, and no older than 22 years of age at the time of scholarship application. Scholarships are earmarked for undergraduate expenses, and selections are made based on merit, academic achievement, community service, extracurricular activities and a required essay.

Navy Seal Foundation Scholarships

Navy Seal Foundation Scholarships are awarded to dependents and spouses of active duty Navy SEALS and other military personnel serving in Naval Special Warfare (NSW) commands.

Eligibility: Selection is based on merit, including academic achievement and an essay. Undergraduate students starting or continuing studies at 2 or 4-year accredited colleges and universities are eligible to apply.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond the Navy-specific scholarships, several other organizations offer financial aid to military dependents across all branches. Here are some notable examples:

American Legion Legacy Scholarship: This scholarship is available to children of post-9/11 veterans who died in service, as well as to children of post-9/11 veterans with a 50% or higher disability rating. Recipients may apply for the scholarship up to six times.
- Eligibility: veterans, active-duty service members, or in the National Guard or Reserves. You must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. You must also submit an essay, a resume detailing your community involvement, and financial documentation.
- Award Amount: \$4,000
- Application Deadline: April
Army Scholarship Foundation: Children or spouses of people who currently serve or previously served on active duty can apply. Army are also eligible.
- Eligibility: The scholarship requires a minimum 2.0 GPA. In addition, you must be younger than 24 by the application deadline and must not already have a bachelor’s degree.
- Award Amount: \$1,000
- Application Deadline: April 15
Folds of Honor Foundation: Spouses and dependents of service members killed, wounded, or disabled due to their service may apply.
- Eligibility: Funding helps pay for any unmet financial need, such as fees or tuition for your first bachelor’s degree. Recipients can reapply each year for up to four years. You need a minimum 2.0 GPA to apply.
- Award Amount: Up to \$5,000
- Application Deadline: March
Samsung American Legion Scholarship: Children and descendants of veterans who served on active duty during a war may apply for this scholarship.
- Eligibility: You must also have been selected to attend an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program. The award may be used toward tuition, room and board, books, and other fees. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard can apply. High school applicants need a 3.0 GPA or higher, while college applicants must have a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Allied Van Lines Military Scholarship: This award supports military family members seeking a career in logistics or supply chain management.
- Eligibility: The application includes a brief essay. Allied Van Lines awards two scholarships annually.
- Award Amount: \$1,000
- Application Deadline: December
Army Aviation Association of America Scholarship: Spouses, children, grandchildren, and unmarried citizens of Army Aviation Association of America members or deceased members may apply.
- Eligibility: Army through active service, the Army Reserve, or the Army National Guard. You must be currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate nursing program. Army, such as through GI Bill benefits.
- Award Amount: \$3,000
- Application Deadline: TBD
Tillman Military Scholarships: To support educational opportunities for Veteran and active Service Members and their dependents (children and spouses).
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scholarship Programs: The Veterans of Foreign Wars has several scholarship programs across the nation.
Fleet Reserve Association (FRA): The FRA provides approximately $90,000 worth of scholarships annually, to deserving students who are dependents of active FRA members in good standing, or deceased members who were in good standing at the time of death. The FRA awards several scholarships each year, some of which carry donor-specified criteria. Applicants are evaluated based on financial need, academic accomplishment, individual character, and leadership skills. These scholarships are awarded to FRA members serving in the Navy, Marines Corps or United States Coast Guard, and to their spouses, children and grandchildren.
Marine Corps League Scholarship Program: Over three hundred scholarship grants are given annually to applicants. The foundation has started a blocked scholarship fund to build a trust to assist in the funding of its regular scholarship program.
Marine Science Scholarship: Applicant must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence.
MOAA Scholarship Fund: Our Education Assistance Program, offered through The MOAA Scholarship Fund, provides scholarships, grants, and interest-free loans to students with veteran or active-duty military parents from all ranks and branches.
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship: Paralyzed Veterans’ Educational Scholarship Program was established in 1986 to help members and their immediate Families gain post-secondary education from accredited colleges and universities across America.
Rosewood Family Scholarship: Applicant must be a direct descendant of Rosewood Families affected by the incidents of January 1924. Initial Student Florida Financial Aid Application is required for verification. Applicant must not owe a repayment or be in default under any state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory arrangements to repay have been made. Tuition and fees up to $4,000. Scholarship awards are $5,000 to be made co-payable to the scholarship recipient’s institution for payment of tuition, books and supplies and may be reapplied for up to four years for a maximum of $20,000.
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members: The Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members (CSDDV) provides scholarships for dependent children or un-remarried spouses of Florida Veterans or Service Members who died as a result of service-connected injuries, diseases, or disabilities sustained while on active duty or who have been certified by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs as having service connected 100% permanent and total disabilities. CSDDV also provides funds for dependent children whose parent is classified as a prisoner of war or missing in action by the Armed Forces of the United States or as civilian personnel captured while serving with the consent or authorization of the United States Government during wartime service.
Scholarships for Military Children: The Scholarships for Military Children Program was created to recognize the contributions of military Families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military Family community. If your mother or father is active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military personnel or you are the survivor of a deceased member, and you have a military dependent I.D.
Tailhook Education Foundation: must be a high school graduate and the natural, step, or adopted son, daughter or grandchild of a current or former Naval Aviator, Naval Flight Officer, or Naval Aircrewman.
The Women’s Army Corps Veterans Association Scholarship: Established to recognize relatives of Army Service Women. This scholarship is based upon academic achievement and leadership as expressed through co-curricular activities and community involvement.

Grants for Military Dependents and Families

In addition to scholarships, several grants are available to military spouses and dependents. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need and do not have to be repaid.

Coast Guard Supplemental Education Grant (SEG): The SEG program supports Coast Guard military dependents enrolled in college or approved vocational and technical training. The grant can help pay for books, supplies, or equipment but cannot be used for tuition. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Award Amount: \$500
- Application Deadline: Varies
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: This federal grant is available to students whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service after 9/11 and who were under the age of 24 at the time of their parent or guardian’s death. This grant supports students who wouldn’t qualify for a Pell Grant due to their expected family contribution. You must complete the FAFSA to apply and fill it out each year to renew.
- Award Amount: \$7,395 (same as Pell Grant)
- Application Deadline: FAFSA deadline
Military Officers Association of America Grants: Applicants must be children of active duty, Reserve, National Guard, or retired enlisted military personnel.
- Eligibility: You must have a high school 3.0 GPA or higher and not be older than 24. In addition, you must not already have a degree.
- Award Amount: \$500
- Application Deadline: March 1
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance: Military dependents ages 18-26 can apply if they’re the spouse or child of a service member who died on active duty, was captured by a hostile force, or has a service-connected disability. Award money can be used for college, an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training for up to three years.
- Award Amount: Varies
- Application Deadline: Varies

Resources for Military Spouses

Military spouses face unique challenges in pursuing higher education, often due to frequent relocations and family responsibilities. Recognizing these challenges, several programs specifically target military spouses:

MyCAA Military Spouse Scholarship: Spouses of active duty, reserves, or National Guard service personnel in specified pay grades who are on Title 10 military orders may apply. In addition to tuition assistance, the program offers career coaching to help you develop an education and training plan.
- Award Amount: Up to \$4,000
- Application Deadline: Varies
Navy League and Columbia Southern University (CSU) Partnership: The Navy League and Columbia Southern University (CSU) have partnered to offer a scholarship for military spouses. The recipient will receive 60 credit hours towards any degree program at CSU. This scholarship is open to a spouse of United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, or United States Coast Guard personnel.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to scholarships and grants, military families should explore other avenues for financial assistance:

GI Bill® Benefits: Military service members and veterans can transfer unused Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to a spouse or child if they meet specific service requirements. The GI Bill helps pay for tuition and housing and includes a textbook stipend for up to 36 months.
Yellow Ribbon Program: The Yellow Ribbon Program offers additional financial aid to cover costs not covered by the GI Bill. The Yellow Ribbon Program can help pay for tuition and fees at private schools, foreign schools, or public schools if you’re a nonresident. To benefit from this program, you must apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
In-State Tuition: All 50 states provide in-state tuition to military dependents. The Choice Act of 2014 limited how long nonresident military dependents are eligible for in-state tuition to three years; however, 22 states and Washington, D.C., passed their own laws to eliminate this cap. Other states have different resident-rate regulations in place, and some leave it up to schools to decide or have certain stipulations.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Military spouses absolutely can and should fill out the FAFSA. There is no age limit to filling out the FAFSA, and almost everyone who applies is eligible for some type of financial aid. If you’re planning to attend a college, community college, or vocational school, take time to submit the FAFSA. This is the first step in applying and being eligible for federal, state, and institutional aid. Many grants and scholarships consider your FAFSA information when determining your eligibility. Completing the FAFSA is the first step in making college more financially accessible.

Tips for Finding and Applying for Scholarships

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search early in your high school career or as soon as you decide to pursue higher education as a spouse.
Research Thoroughly: Explore all available resources, including online databases, military aid organizations, and school financial aid offices.
Meet Eligibility Requirements: Carefully review the eligibility criteria for each scholarship before applying.
Craft a Strong Application: Pay attention to essay prompts and provide thoughtful, well-written responses.
Highlight Achievements: Showcase your academic achievements, community involvement, and leadership skills.
Seek Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or mentors who can speak to your potential.
Pay Attention to Deadlines: Submit your application before the deadline to ensure consideration.

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