Military Scholarships for Veterans and Active Service Members

If you’re a veteran or active service member, there are several military grants and scholarships created specifically for you. Many programs and institutions recognize the sacrifices made by members of the military and are proud to help them finish their education.

Because military members and their families have unique considerations, these programs have been created specifically to make degree completion easier and more affordable.

How the Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant Works

If you’re an active or retired military member in Tennessee, you may be eligible for the Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant.

To be eligible, you must be an honorably discharged veteran who has formally served the armed forces of the United States, or a former or current member of a reserve or Tennessee National Guard unit who was called into active military service of the United States.

Additional eligibility requirements include that you must:

• Be a Tennessee resident
• Be awarded the following:
  • Iraq Campaign Medal;
  • Afghanistan Campaign Medal; or
  • Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, on or after Sept. 11, 2001
  • Other qualifying medals as authorized by Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation
• Be enrolled at an eligible institution

For a full list of requirements, visit the Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant website.

How Much Can I Receive?

If you qualify, you may receive $1,000 per semester if you’re enrolled in 12 or more semester hours and $500 per semester if you’re enrolled in 6 – 11 semester hours.

If you’re enrolled in fewer than six semester hours, you will not be eligible for this grant.

How Do I Apply for the Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant?

To apply for the grant, you must complete the application for each academic year. The application processing deadlines are:

• September 1 for fall enrollment
• February 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

Click here to start your application for the Tennessee Helping Heroes Grant. 

Can the GI Bill Help You Pay for College?

Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying veterans and their families continue their education. In this case, if you’re going back to school to complete your degree, then you may be eligible for tuition assistance.

If you applied for and were awarded Post-9/11 GI Bill education benefits, your GI Bill Statement of Benefits will show you how much of your benefits you’ve used and how much you have left to use.

The exact amount of financial aid you qualify for is dependent on the length and nature of your military service. Some veterans and active members may be qualified for all of their tuition and expenses being covered.

Additionally, each branch of the military offers its own tuition assistance.

This page on military tuition assistance will outline the most current coverage details and eligibility requirements for each branch of service.

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