Hi, everyone. My veteran status could be a potential source of college funding, and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed about where to start. What kind of scholarships are available for veterans like me? Any advice on where I should start looking?
Hello! First off, thank you for your service. There are indeed several resources specifically designed to help veterans, like yourself, fund their education, and starting with a game plan can make this seemingly daunting task feel much more manageable.
One such funding source is the Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 GI Bill. If you have at least 90 days of service after September 10, 2001, you may be eligible to receive up to 36 months of benefits, including tuition, fees, and housing. The amount you're eligible to receive depends on your length of service, but the program can cover up to 100% of tuition and fees at public in-state schools.
There are also scholarships that are offered exclusively for veterans. For instance, the AMVETS National Scholarship Program offers scholarships to veterans interested in attending technical or trade school, as well as those pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. It awards $4,000 to selected recipients.
The Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship is available to recipients of the Purple Heart and their immediate family members. Award amounts may vary.
The Tillman Scholars Program, in honor of Pat Tillman, is open to active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses seeking an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree. The scholarship covers direct study-related expenses, including tuition and fees, living expenses, and books.
Many colleges and universities also offer their own scholarships for veterans and military-affiliated students. For example, Columbia University’s School of General Studies offers specific grant funding, known as the General Studies Grant, for veterans who may not be fully covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
Remember, each of these scholarships will have its own set of selection criteria and application requirements, so it's essential to thoroughly review them. Your path to college funding starts with a simple search: finding which scholarships you are eligible for as a veteran, seeing what they demand in terms of application materials, and setting a timeline for application.
Lastly, don't overlook local scholarships from organizations like the VFW, American Legion, and Rotary Club. Depending on your location, some states provide additional benefits to veterans attending college.
I hope these pointers will serve as a good starting place on your scholarship hunt! Good luck with your search and your educational journey!
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