Scholarships and Educational Benefits for Military Reservists
Enlisting in the military reserves is a significant commitment, involving potential deployments to international war zones and assistance during domestic emergencies. Recognizing this dedication, numerous scholarships and educational benefits are available to reservists to support their academic pursuits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these opportunities, encompassing federal programs, ROTC scholarships, and private organizations dedicated to assisting military personnel and their families.
Federal Programs
The U.S. government offers several programs designed to help reservists finance their education. These programs acknowledge the sacrifices made by reserve members and aim to provide them with the means to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) is a key benefit for reservists. Eligibility is determined by the reservist's branch of service, and payments are administered by the Veterans Administration (VA). The VA provides detailed information on Chapter 1606 in its publications. As of October 1, 2012, monthly college payments ranged from $356 for full-time enrollment to $89 for less than half-time. As a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you can take advantage of the Montgomery GI Bill as a way to pay for your college education. Depending on how long you enlist, you can get over $13,000 to help pay for college.
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607) offers financial aid to college-bound reservists, providing up to 36 months of assistance. The amount awarded is calculated as a percentage of the GI Bill rate for active-duty members. Monthly payments vary based on length of service, ranging from $625.60 to $1,251.20. The Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) offers nearly $40,000 in education benefits for Army Reserve Soldiers who served on active duty at least 90 consecutive days on or after Sept. 1, 2001, for a contingency operation.
Tuition Assistance (TA) and Credentialing Assistance (CA)
The Army announced policy updates Dec. 11, 2024, for the tuition assistance and credentialing assistance educational programs for active-duty, Army Reserve, and National Guard Soldiers. The changes include increased semester hour and dollar amount caps for TA and a reduction in the dollar amount cap for CA.
Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide
ROTC Scholarships
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs offer scholarships to students who commit to serving as officers in the military after graduation. These scholarships are merit-based and provide significant financial assistance for college.
Army ROTC Scholarships
Army ROTC offers three categories of scholarships: for high school students planning for college, current college students, and enlisted soldiers. These scholarships have flexible terms and are awarded based on academic achievement and character. Army ROTC Cadets gain practical experience in management and problem solving while training to become Army Officers. Full tuition paid.
Navy ROTC Scholarships
The Navy ROTC has three scholarship programs for Navy, Nurse, and Marine Corps trainees. The Navy program awards scholarships based on the student's college major, with preference given to Tier 1 and Tier 2 disciplines. The Nurse option requires attendance at an NROTC college with a nursing school. The Marine Corps track requires applicants between 17 and 23 to meet one of three criteria: a SAT score of 1000 (Math and Critical Reading), an ACT composite of 22, or an Armed Forces Qualification Test of 74.
Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD) Scholarship
The GRFD Scholarship is for individuals with prior military service and would like to obtain a commission in the Army Reserve. The 2-year scholarship allows MOS-qualified veterans to receive GI Bill benefits while at the same time receiving scholarship benefits. Army Reserve Soldiers and those interested in the GFRD Scholarship should fill out the form below to get connected with an Army Reserve Ambassador to start the nomination application process.
Minuteman Scholarship
Army Reserve Ambassador Jim Bernet talks about the Minuteman Scholarship, and how he takes great joy in helping young adults pave the way for their future. June 1, 2025 - The Minuteman Campaign will close for Fall 2025 Scholarships.
Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships
Scholarships from Private Organizations
Numerous private organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for military members, veterans, and their families. These scholarships often have unique eligibility requirements and focus on different aspects of military service.
AMVETS Scholarships
Amvets annually awards scholarships to Veterans/active military, their sons, daughters or grandchildren. A son, daughter or grandchild of a deceased Veteran is also eligible. Amvets has set up the Dr. Aurelio M.
Army Scholarship Foundation (ASF)
The Army Scholarship Foundation (ASF) awards one-year financial scholarships on an annual basis to qualified and deserving students. The scholarships are a means to reward Army families for the sacrifices our soldiers make every day to serve their nation and as a way to help their spouses and children become leaders in American society.
Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program
The Army Women’s Foundation recognizes the importance of education and the role it plays in personal, professional and economic fulfillment. The Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program provides grants to women soldiers, past and present, and their lineal descendants to help them attain their educational goals. The Legacy Scholarship Program offers financial support in four areas: Certificate programs, Community College coursework, Undergraduate Degrees, and Graduate Degrees. Scholarships are awarded only for coursework from accredited institutions. Scholarships are based on merit, academic potential, community service, letters of recommendation, and need. Community College and Certificate Program Legacy Scholarships will be awarded up to $1,000. College, University, and Graduate Program Legacy Scholarships will be awarded up to $2,500. 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. armywomen.org
Chief Petty Officer Scholarship Fund
For qualified family members of Chief Petty Officers including spouses and children (natural born, adopted or stepchildren).
Read also: Scholarship Guide
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Providing college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in combat or accidents. Our vision is that every such child can have a debt-free college education.
Digital Workshop Center Veterans Tech Skills Scholarship
The Digital Workshop Center Veterans Tech Skills Scholarship is for active or retired military service members and their families interested in pursuing a certificate program at Digital Workshop Center. We are dedicated to supporting our veterans by offering a veterans tech skills scholarship designed to assist them in pursuing their educational goals.
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
Grants are available, on a competitive basis, to high school or college children/stepchildren (unmarried, under age 24 at time of deadline) of: (1) members or former members of the Submarine Force who have qualified in submarines and have served in the Submarine Force for at least eight years; or of (2) Navy members who have served in submarine support activities (e.g., submarine bases, tenders, and rescue vessels) for a minimum of ten years.
Earl Jennings Puckett Memorial Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded annually in the amount of $5,000 to an eligible applicant that fully embodies the spirit of service in their community as determined by the Patriot Legacy Fund scholarship committee.
Fisher House Foundation Scholarship Programs
Open to sons and daughters of active duty, reserve/guard, or retired military commissary customers.
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
Students are eligible if they are the dependent child of an active duty Service Member who was killed or permanently disabled (100%) rating as the result of an operational mission or training accident, or who is currently certified as POW or MIA.
Liberty University’s Heroes Fund Scholarship
Provides scholarship assistance for qualifying disabled veterans, Purple Heart recipients, and spouses of veterans killed in action.
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. Scholarships are applied for and awarded by the Marine Corps League Scholarship Committee using applications and standards developed by that committee.
Marine Science Scholarship
Applicant must demonstrate financial need and academic excellence. Applications are currently open through March 1, 2025.
Navy League of the United States Scholarships
Currently, the Navy League Foundation has a total of 25 endowed scholarships. Navy League Councils across the United States provide additional scholarships to students and Sea Cadets in their cities and regions.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Programs
The NBCC Foundation Military Scholarship Program is designed to encourage Service Members and Veterans to pursue careers in professional counseling. The program provides financial support to students who enroll, or seek to enroll, in a CACREP accredited counseling program during or after military service, and who commit to serving military personnel.
North American Van Lines Logistics Scholarship
Offers an annual military scholarship for current or former active-duty military and their dependents interested in logistics/supply chain management or operational management studies.
NVBDC/Denny’s HFE Scholarship
In 2024, Denny’s HFE scholarship program is partnering with NVBDC to award scholarships to deserving high school and college students for their ideas on bringing communities together. *All applicants must be high school seniors active in the JROTC program. Closes December 9, 2024.
Operation Mom scholarships
Our Military Kids provides tangible support to the children of deployed and severely injured National Guard and Military Reserve personnel through grants for sports, fine arts and tutoring that nurture and sustain the children during the time a parent is away in service to our country.
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. Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve); Service Members pursuing undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, two-year, four-year, public, private, vocational, and trade degrees or certifications; and dependents of Service Members (children and spouses).
Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service Members (CSDDV)
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. CSDDV provides funding for tuition and registration fees at an eligible postsecondary institution or the equivalent at an eligible private postsecondary institution in Florida.
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. The focus of the program is on the completion of degree or certificate programs that provide increased occupational opportunities for spouses.
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. Navy Aircraft Carrier in ship’s company or the air wing.
The Fund for Veterans Education
To help meet the cost associated with higher education for Veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who served in Afghanistan or Iraq since September 11, 2001 and who are now enrolled in college or vocational-technical school.
Tillman Military Scholarships
To support educational opportunities for Veteran and active Service Members and their dependents (children and spouses). Intended to cover direct study-related expenses such as tuition, fees, and books, as well as other needs such as room and board and child care. The Pat Tillman Foundation sponsors the Tillman Military Scholars program, for full-time students.
VA Mortgage Center Scholarship
An ongoing scholarship offer for students with military affiliation, ROTC, and children of military members.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Scholarship Programs
The Veterans of Foreign Wars has several scholarship programs across the nation. Robert Magalong receives a certificate from VFW Post 10281 to commemorate his selection in the post level Veterans of Foreign Wars Democracy Essay Contest. Each year, nearly 25,000 ninth through 12th grade students from across the country enter to win their share of more than $1 million in educational scholarships and incentives awarded through the program. Robert Magalong, a junior from Fort Knox Middle High School, class of 2026, and son of Master Sgt.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
Besides scholarships, reservists can explore other avenues for financial aid to support their education.
Concurrent Admissions Program
The Army Reserve can help you to take advantage of your educational benefits.
Student Loan Repayment Program
Let us help you pay off your college loans with the Army’s Student Loan Repayment program. Up to $50,000 for selected specialties to repay college loans. Does your student loan qualify?
TEACH Grant
TEACH Grant Initial and Subsequent Counseling and A TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS) so that you may receive one or more TEACH Grants to pay for your education.
TFS Scholarships
Veterans should use scholarship funds like “gap insurance” to pay for any tuition, housing, fees or books not covered by their benefits. Dependents of veterans may or may not be covered by the benefit programs making scholarship funds even more important for them. View such Scholarships as the Samsung American Legion Scholarship; Green to Gold Scholarship; Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Scholarships and more at usveteransmagazine.com/military-scholarships/
Application Requirements
Generally, scholarship applications require specific documentation to verify eligibility and assess the applicant's qualifications. Common requirements include:
- Parent or Spouse Proof of Service - Statement of Good Service for active duty or Form DD214 for veteran
- High School Transcript
- College Transcript - if applicable. Current college students with less than 30 credit hours must submit both high school and college transcripts.
- Applicant Proof of Service - if the applicant has their own military service: Statement of Good Service for active duty or Form DD214 for veteran
- IRS Form 1040 for family - pages 1 and 2 only. If more than four dependents, also include the list of additional dependents
- FAFSA Submission Summary - FAFSA Form Answers and Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Color Photograph
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