Scholarships for Students from Military Families: Your Service Matters Too

Amanda Rhoden
Nov 11
3 min read

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When people think of Veterans Day, they usually think of the men and women who served, and rightfully so. But behind every service member, there’s a family that served too.

My husband spent 14 years in the military, and several members of my family have also served. While I haven’t lived that life myself, I deeply respect the dedication and sacrifice it takes, not only from those who serve, but from the families who support them. This post is for the students in those families: the children and grandchildren who’ve lived through that experience and are now looking ahead to college.

You’ve supported someone else’s service; now it’s time to let those opportunities support you.

10 Top Scholarships for Military-Family Students

Here are ten great scholarships for students who are part of a military family:

Fisher House Foundation – “Scholarships for Military Children”
For unmarried military dependent children under 23 whose sponsor is active duty, guard, reserve, retired, or deceased.👉 fisherhouse.org
AMVETS Children/Grandchildren Scholarship
For high school seniors whose parent or grandparent is a U.S. veteran, active duty, or National Guard/Reserve.👉 amvets.org
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
For children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen — including trade and technical programs.👉 mcsf.org
Army Emergency Relief – Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program
For dependent children of Soldiers (active, retired, or deceased) pursuing undergraduate or technical programs.👉 armyemergencyrelief.org
Air Force Aid Society – General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant
For dependents of Air Force and Space Force members (active, retired, or deceased).👉 afas.org
Dolphin Scholarship Foundation
For children and stepchildren of U.S. Submarine Force members (active, retired, or qualified in submarine service).👉 dolphinscholarship.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship – Gilman-McCain Award
For dependents of active U.S. military personnel to study abroad.👉 gilmanscholarship.org
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
For children of service members who lost their lives in the line of duty, offers financial and academic support.👉 fallenpatriots.org
American Legion Auxiliary – Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship
For children and grandchildren of veterans who served during specific eligibility periods.👉 ALAforVeterans.org
Scholarship Directory for Military Dependents
Browse multiple verified awards for veterans’ children, spouses, and dependents.👉 Scholarships.com Directory

Three Focused Tips for Finding and Winning Military-Family Scholarships

Start with your branch network. Each service branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard) has its own foundation or relief society that funds dependents. Check your sponsor’s branch website or base family resource office for more information.
Search smart using keywords. On scholarship websites, filter by “military dependent,” “child of veteran,” or “military family.” That helps surface awards tailored to you.
Stay organized and apply broadly. Keep proof of service, transcripts, and essays in one folder so you can apply quickly. Smaller awards often have less competition and add up fast.

❤️ From Me to You

If you’ve grown up in a military family, you already know what commitment looks like. You’ve seen service up close, and whether that meant moving schools, celebrating holidays apart, or learning to adapt, you’ve developed strengths colleges value: resilience, flexibility, and empathy.

Today, as we honor those who served, I’m also celebrating you—the students who carry that legacy forward in your own way.

Your story matters. Your goals matter. And there are programs, scholarships, and communities ready to help you reach them.

Happy Veterans Day

— Amanda

Future Bound College Counseling

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