The 10 Best Military Spouse Scholarships

Military families can face a unique set of circumstances due to service commitments and frequent relocations, that many civilians do not face when it comes to college or furthering their educations. Military scholarships can help play a role in easing some of those unique challenges by providing financial support tailored to the needs of service members and their families. These scholarships are designed not only to help cover tuition and educational expenses but also to empower military spouses and dependents to pursue their academic and career goals. Whether you’re looking to earn a degree, acquire a certification, or enhance your skills, The 10 Military Spouse Scholarships below can help you meet your educational goals!

1. MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts)

Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2.

Award: Up to $4,000 over two years for certificates, licenses, or associate degrees in high-demand fields.

About: The MyCAA program, or Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, is here to help military spouses enhance their careers through education. This program, funded by the Department of Defense, offers up to $4,000 over two years to eligible spouses of active-duty service members in certain pay grades. The funds can be used for various educational programs, including licenses, certifications, and associate degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare and IT. MyCAA aims to empower military spouses to achieve financial independence and career success, recognizing the unique challenges they face due to frequent relocations and the demands of military life.

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2. National Military Family Association (NMFA) Scholarships

Eligibility: Military spouses with any service affiliation.

Award: Varies; funds can be used for tuition, licensing, certification, and more.

About: The National Military Family Association (NMFA) offers scholarships specifically for military families, including spouses and children. These scholarships are designed to help family members pursue higher education, vocational training, or certification programs in various fields. NMFA provides financial support to military families, with awards varying based on individual needs. By making education more accessible, these scholarships help military families reach their educational goals and create a brighter future for themselves and their loved ones.

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3. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility: Military spouses, active-duty service members, veterans.

Award: Varies based on need and merit, covering tuition, fees, books, and other education expenses.

About: The Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship honors the incredible legacy of Pat Tillman, a former NFL player who left his sports career to serve in the military. This scholarship supports veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses who show leadership potential and a commitment to making a difference. It offers a comprehensive scholarship package that covers tuition, fees, and educational expenses based on individual needs. By fostering a community of leaders, the Pat Tillman Foundation empowers recipients to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

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4. Hope for the Warriors Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships

Eligibility: Military spouses and caregivers of wounded, ill, or injured service members.

Award: Amount varies depending on the applicant’s needs and field of study.

About: Hope for the Warriors is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting military families, particularly those affected by the challenges of war. Their Military Spouse and Caregiver Scholarships provide financial assistance to spouses and caregivers of wounded, ill, or injured service members who are looking to further their education. The amount awarded depends on individual circumstances and chosen fields of study. By making education accessible, these scholarships empower military spouses and caregivers to gain valuable skills and advance their careers while supporting their loved ones.

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5. Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program

Eligibility: Spouses of all active-duty, National Guard, and reserve members.

Award: Between $500 to $1,000 for tuition.

About: The Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program, managed by the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), offers financial support to military spouses who want to continue their education. With awards ranging from $500 to $1,000, these scholarships help cover tuition for undergraduate and vocational programs. Eligible applicants include spouses of active-duty, National Guard, and reserve members from all branches. The program is dedicated to promoting educational opportunities for military spouses, helping them improve their skills and achieve their career aspirations.

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6. FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship

Eligibility: Military spouses interested in earning the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) designation.

Award: Covers the full cost of the AFC program.

About: The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship is a fantastic opportunity for military spouses to earn the Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) designation at no cost. This program is perfect for those interested in personal finance and financial counseling, providing the tools to help military families manage their finances more effectively. In addition to covering the costs of the AFC program, the fellowship includes mentorship and professional development opportunities. By equipping military spouses with essential financial skills, this fellowship empowers them to pursue meaningful careers while benefiting the broader military community.

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7. Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Military Spouse Scholarship

Eligibility: Spouses pursuing degrees in STEM fields.

Award: Varies based on needs, typically between $2,500 and $5,000.

About: The AFCEA Military Spouse Scholarship is designed to support military spouses who want to pursue education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. This scholarship provides financial assistance, usually ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, to help cover tuition and educational expenses. Eligible applicants include spouses of active-duty service members, as well as National Guard and reserve personnel. By promoting education in STEM disciplines, AFCEA aims to enhance career opportunities for military spouses and contribute to a skilled workforce in critical technical areas.

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8. American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces Military Family Scholarships

Eligibility: Military families, including spouses.

Award: Varies based on need and education program.

About: The American Red Cross offers Military Family Scholarships through its Service to the Armed Forces program to provide financial assistance to military families, including spouses who are seeking education. The amount awarded can vary based on individual circumstances and chosen programs. The Red Cross is committed to helping military families gain the skills and qualifications needed to improve their career prospects. By offering these scholarships, the organization reinforces its dedication to serving those who serve, ensuring that military families have the resources they need to thrive.

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9. Veterans United Foundation Scholarship

Eligibility: Spouses and dependents of veterans and active-duty military.

Award: Typically $2,000 per semester.

About: The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship is a wonderful resource for the spouses and dependents of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Typically offering $2,000 per semester, this scholarship helps recipients pursue a range of educational opportunities, from degrees to vocational training. The foundation is focused on improving the lives of military families by facilitating access to education, helping them achieve their personal and professional goals. Through this scholarship program, Veterans United aims to empower military families to create brighter futures for themselves.

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10. Army Emergency Relief (AER) Spouse Education Assistance Program

Eligibility: Spouses of active-duty or retired Army members.

Award: Needs-based, up to $2,500 per academic year.

About: The Army Emergency Relief (AER) Spouse Education Assistance Program provides valuable financial support to spouses of active-duty or retired Army members who are looking to further their education. The program offers needs-based scholarships, with awards of up to $2,500 per academic year, which can be used for various educational pursuits, including college degrees and vocational training. By supporting the educational aspirations of military spouses, AER helps enhance their career prospects and financial independence, addressing the unique challenges faced by families in the military community.

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