There are numerous reasons why veterans would want to consider going back to college. Some may want to advance their skills, others want a new career field, and still others may have their own personal reasons for making the commitment to further their education. However, the desire to go back to college isn’t always enough, considering the costs associated with earning a degree. The good news is that there are grants and scholarships for veterans going back to college, and they can make a big difference in making it much more affordable.
It’s estimated that attending a public two-year college will cost around $3,500 per year, while attending a public four-year college will cost around $9,000 per year. This can vary, depending on the college, and whether or not it is public or private. Earning a degree can cost thousands of dollars, but the good news is that the research shows you will likely earn a lot more over the course of your career once you have a degree. Obtaining a college education is usually worth it for most veterans, but it’s a good idea if you can do it without accumulating student loan debt. The grants and scholarships for veterans going back to college will help you keep the cost of the degree down.
Types of Grants and Scholarships for Veterans Going Back to College
Federal Pell Grant – The federal government offers Pell Grants for veterans who meet the low income requirements. The grants are open to those who have not yet earned a degree. The maximum amount awarded for the 2019-2020 year is $6,195. The amount of your grant is determined by the cost of the school you will be attending, whether you are attending full or part time, and if you will be attending for the full academic year. The grant does not have to be paid back. It’s considered a gift to help you obtain an education and better your financial situation. If you qualify for a Pell Grant, it will be paid directly to your college. You can continue to get the grant for as long as you are low income and until you have earned your first degree, or have gotten the grant for 12 semesters. You can apply for a Federal Pell Grant at the college you would like to attend. Just stop into their financial aid office and ask for an application. For more information, click here.
Tillman Scholar Program – Pat Tillman was a professional football player in the NFL, when he decided to join the military and fight for the country, following the attacks on 9/11. After he was killed while serving in Afghanistan, his family and friends created the Tillman Scholar Program in his honor and memory. The program gives grants and scholarships for veterans going back to college. The average grant awarded is $10,000 and can be used for tuition and fees, books, and paying for living expenses while going to college. To be eligible, you have to be a veteran or active duty military, and you have to be pursuing a degree. You can apply for a college grant from the Tillman Scholar Program online. To apply, click here.
AMVETS Scholarships – American Veterans (AMVETS) offers a scholarship program for veterans. The application cycle each year is January through April. There are two college scholarships that are awarded to veterans or active duty military, and two scholarships that are given to children or grandchildren of veterans or active duty military. One of the scholarships they grant, called the AMVETS Scholarship, is $4,000, while the other one, called the Dr. Aurelio M. Caccumo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship, is $12,000. You can apply for the AMVETS Scholarships online. To apply, click here.
The American Legion Scholarships – The American Legion is an organization that has a mission of helping veterans. They offer scholarships for veterans going back to college. They offer numerous scholarships, including one called the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. The program gives out scholarships to numerous people every year. They give 10 people a $10,000 scholarship each, 10 people a $5,000 scholarship each, and they give several finalists a $1,250 scholarship. You can apply online. To apply, click here.
There are numerous grants and scholarships for veterans going back to college. Each of them will help make the process easier and more affordable. You can apply for all of the scholarships and see what assistance you qualify for.