The brave men and women of the Armed Forces sacrifice a lot for our nation. Many scholarship providers want to give back by offering scholarships open only to military service members, veterans, and their dependents. Below are scholarships for military service members, veterans, and military and veteran spouses and dependents.

Gilman-McCain Scholarship
Sponsor: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State
Amount: $5,000.00
Closing Date: October 1, 2026
Description: Scholarship is open to undergraduate child dependents of an active duty service member to study or intern abroad on a credit-bearing program. This deadline is for students studying or interning abroad during December 1, 2026 to October 31, 2027.

General Prize Essay Contest
Sponsor: U.S. Naval Institute
Amount: Up to $6,000
Closing Date: October 31, 2026
Description: Contest is open to all persons eligible for membership (including those already members) in the institute. Applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to the U.S. Naval Institute’s mission.

Voice of Democracy Scholarship Competition
Sponsor: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Amount: Up to $35,000
Closing Date: October 31, 2026
Description: Program is open to students in grades 9-12 who are enrolled in a public, private or parochial high school or home study program in the United States, its territories and possessions. Applicant must submit a 3-5 minute essay on this year’s theme: “What a Veteran Taught Me About America.”

TrophyCentral Sportsmanship & Compassion Scholarship
Sponsor: Trophy Central
Amount: $1,000.00
Closing Date: May 31, 2027
Description: Scholarship is open to incoming college freshmen who had at least a 3.25 GPA in high school. Applicant must have demonstrated a unique or special form of sportsmanship, kindness or compassion. Although not required, special attention will be given to applicants who are the first in their generation to attend college or are entering a branch of the military (ex. ROTC).

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Scholars Program
Sponsor: Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
Amount: Up to $6,250
Closing Date: Monthly – all documents due to the program team by the 15th of each month
Description: Program is open to children – whether natural, by marriage or adoption – who have lost a parent in the line of military duty, during combat or peacetime. All branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard) and all components (active, reserve and guard are covered). 

Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans and Others
Sponsor: Delaware Department of Education
Amount: Tuition and fees at your college (see website for specific details)
Closing Date: Completed application is due 6-8 weeks before classes begin
Description: Program is open to residents of the state of Delaware between the ages of 16 and 24 years of age whose parent was a resident of Delaware at the time of death or declaration of mission in action or prisoner of war status.

Wells Fargo Veterans Emergency Grant Program
Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Amount: Up to $1,000
Closing Date: There is no application deadline, but grants will be awarded on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.
Description: Grant program is open to honorably-discharged veterans and spouses of disabled veterans who have served in the United States military. Applicant must be a student who is already enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate study.