The Current Guide to Military Spouse Scholarships, Grants & Education Funding for Military Families
Pursuing a degree, certification, license, or professional training isn’t always easy when military life includes frequent PCS moves, deployments, and career interruptions. Fortunately, there are dozens of organizations dedicated to helping military spouses continue their education.
Whether you’re earning your first college degree, finishing graduate school, or obtaining a professional certification, these are some of the best military spouse scholarships available now.
Table of Contents
- Corvias Foundation Military Spouse Scholarship
- National Military Family Association (NMFA) Military Spouse Scholarship
- Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance
- Air Force Aid Society Education Programs
- Army Emergency Relief (AER) Spouse Education Assistance
- Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
- Local Military Spouse Clubs
1. Corvias Foundation Military Spouse Scholarship
Application Deadline: September 25, 2026
One of the most flexible scholarships available this year, the Corvias Foundation Military Spouse Scholarship can be used for:
- College tuition
- Graduate school
- Professional licenses
- Career certifications
- Technology
- Professional exams
- Online learning programs
- Other education-related expenses
Eligible spouses may receive scholarship funding totaling up to $20,000 through the program.
Military spouses must be married to an active-duty service member stationed at one of the following Corvias-managed installations:
- Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland
- Fort Bragg, North Carolina
- Fort Meade, Maryland
- Fort Polk, Louisiana
- Fort Riley, Kansas
- Fort Rucker, Alabama
- Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Since 2006, the Corvias Foundation has invested more than $20 million in military-connected education initiatives and has supported more than 500 military families.
2. National Military Family Association (NMFA) Military Spouse Scholarship
The National Military Family Association continues to offer one of the most recognized scholarships for military spouses.
Unlike many traditional scholarships, NMFA funding may be used for:
- College degrees
- Graduate programs
- Professional certifications
- Licensure
- Business expenses related to career advancement
There is no minimum GPA requirement, and spouses can apply more than once if eligible.
3. Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Education Assistance
If you’re the spouse of an active-duty or retired Sailor or Marine, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society offers grants and interest-free education loans.
The program supports:
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor’s degrees
- Master’s degrees (for spouses)
- Career and technical education
Applications for the 2026–2027 academic year opened in February and include both need-based grants and interest-free loans.
4. Air Force Aid Society Education Programs
The Air Force Aid Society offers multiple education opportunities for Air Force and Space Force spouses.
One of the most popular is the Bee Arnold Spouse Tuition Program, which provides up to $2,500 toward:
- Career training
- Certifications
- Part-time undergraduate programs
AFAS also offers scholarships through the Hap Arnold Education Grant program for eligible spouses.
5. Army Emergency Relief (AER) Spouse Education Assistance
Army Emergency Relief provides educational assistance for Army spouses pursuing higher education.
Programs vary each year but often include need-based scholarships and grants for undergraduate and graduate education.
Check the AER website for current application windows and eligibility requirements.
6. Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship
Although applications for the 2026 class have closed, military spouses should mark this scholarship on their calendars each fall.
The prestigious Tillman Scholar program supports military spouses who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic achievement.
Recipients receive:
- Significant scholarship funding
- Leadership development
- Mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Lifelong membership in the Tillman Scholar community
Applications typically open in December for the following academic year.
7. Local Military Spouse Clubs
Don’t overlook local installation spouse clubs.
Many military spouse clubs award scholarships every spring, and because applicant pools are smaller than national scholarships, your odds of receiving funding can be much higher.
Check with your:
- Military & Family Readiness Center
- Fleet & Family Support Center
- Army Community Service
- Installation spouse club
- Base education office
Scholarship Search Tools Every Military Spouse Should Bookmark
Even if you don’t qualify for the scholarships above, these search engines can uncover thousands of additional opportunities.
MySECO Scholarship Finder
Military OneSource’s MySECO program offers scholarship resources specifically for military spouses pursuing education and career advancement.
Fastweb
One of the largest scholarship databases available, allowing searches by:
- Military affiliation
- Degree
- Major
- State
- GPA
- Career field
Scholarships for Service
Created by the National Military Family Association, this searchable database focuses on military-connected students and spouses.
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship
Military spouse scholarships are competitive, but these steps can improve your application:
- Apply to several scholarships rather than relying on one.
- Complete the FAFSA early, even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for federal aid.
- Tailor every essay to the scholarship’s mission.
- Ask for recommendation letters well before deadlines.
- Keep copies of transcripts, military documentation, and financial information organized in one folder.
- Don’t skip local scholarships—many receive far fewer applications than national programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can military spouses receive scholarships for certifications instead of college?
Yes. Several programs—including the Corvias Foundation Military Spouse Scholarship, NMFA scholarships, and AFAS education programs—allow funding for certifications, licensure, and professional training in addition to traditional college degrees.
Are there scholarships for graduate school?
Yes. Many military spouse scholarships can be used toward graduate degrees, master’s programs, and professional schools, depending on eligibility requirements.
Can I apply every year?
Often, yes. Many scholarship providers encourage eligible spouses to reapply if they were not selected previously or if they continue their education. Always review each organization’s current eligibility rules.
Military spouses make enormous sacrifices in support of military service, often putting their own careers and education on hold through repeated moves and changing duty stations. The good news is that many nonprofit organizations, military relief societies, and foundations recognize those challenges—and are investing in military spouses who are ready to take the next step.
If you’re planning to earn a degree, complete a certification, or advance your career in 2026, start your applications early, apply broadly, and don’t leave scholarship money on the table.
