Hook some help p1 - GI Bill Benefits - Tuition Assistance for the Military - Military Times EDGE

The thought of starting school can be daunting, whether you’re a first-time college student or a careerist starting a graduate degree. More daunting for many, though, is the prospect of paying for that education.

According to the College Board, the average annual cost of attending a four-year college or university in the U.S. increased more than 5 percent for 2008-09 over the previous academic year, up to $14,333 for a public school and $34,132 for a private school.

Even under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, student veterans may have to shoulder a weighty chunk of this financial burden, depending on how long they served and where they go to school. Active-duty service members can use Tuition Assistance to cover college tuition and fees, but they face a cap of $4,500 per fiscal year, excluding any “top up” benefits they might be eligible for under Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty. Furthermore, hidden college costs such as school fees, transportation and supplies — new laptop, anyone? — can wreak havoc on even the best-laid financial plans.

Simply stated, no matter how good the education benefit, most college students still could use a little extra help.

The good news is that there’s a slew of military-specific scholarships out there to ease the strain. Some are open to anyone who is serving or has served. Others are more specific, targeting certain fields of study or members of military associations.

Two pieces of advice: Financial aid experts warn against applying for scholarships that charge a fee or guarantee you some sort of money. Sites such as FastWeb.com filter out such scholarships. And don’t limit your search to military-specific scholarships. With billions of dollars in scholarship money available each year, make sure you get your fair share of the college-aid pie.

VII Corps Desert Storm Veterans Association Scholarships

What: Up to $5,000 each

Who: Soldiers or family members of soldiers who served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm or Provide Comfort.

Deadline: Jan. 15

10th Mt. Div. (Light) Scholarship

What: Up to $5,000

Who: Current or former 10th Mountain Division (Light) members and family members who are full-time undergraduate students

Deadline: April 1

AFCEA Augusta-Fort Gordon Chapter Lt. Gen. Buchholz Memorial Scholarship

What: One $2,000 scholarship

Who: Enlisted service members assigned to Fort Gordon, Ga., who have completed a minimum of 15 semester hours/25 quarter hours and are enrolled part-time or full-time in an eligible degree program

Deadline: Spring

AFCEA Disabled War Veterans Scholarship

What: $2,500 scholarships

Who: Active-duty, National Guard and reserve members and honorably discharged veterans who are disabled because of wounds received during service in Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Applicants must be enrolled in eligible programs at either a two-year or four-year accredited college/university in the U.S. Qualified distance-learning or online degree-granting programs also qualify.

Deadlines: Nov. 15, April 1

AFCEA General Emmett Paige Scholarship

What: $2,000 scholarships

Who: Active-duty service members, veterans, spouses and dependents enrolled full time in an eligible degree program at an accredited four-year college or university. Distance-learning/online programs do not qualify.

Deadline: March 1

AFCEA Marine Corps Sgt. Jeannette L. Winters Memorial Scholarship

What: $2,000 scholarship

Who: Active-duty and reserve Marines and honorably discharged Marine Corps veterans attending accredited colleges/universities in the U.S. and enrolled as either part-time or full-time undergraduate students in an eligible bachelor’s degree program. Distance-learning/online programs are also eligible.

Deadline: Sept. 1

AFCEA Veterans of Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom Scholarship

What: $2,500 scholarships

Who: Active-duty, National Guard, reserve and honorably discharged veterans of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom who are actively pursuing an undergraduate degree in an eligible major at accredited two- or four-year institutions in the U.S. Distance-learning/online programs affiliated with a major U.S. institution are also eligible.

Deadlines: Nov. 1 and April 1

AFCEA Vice Adm. Jerry O. Tuttle, USN (Ret.) Science & Technology Scholarship

What: $2,000 scholarships

Who: U.S. citizens enrolled full time in a technology major (must be sophomore or junior at time of application). Primary consideration given to military enlisted candidates.

Deadline: Nov. 15

Air Force Association Capt. Jodi Callahan Memorial Scholarship

What: One nonrenewable $1,000 scholarship

Who: Active-duty Air Force, full-time Air National Guard or full-time Air Force Reserve officer or enlisted personnel pursuing a master’s degree in a nontechnical field of study.

Deadline: June 30

Air Force Association Pitsenbarger Award

What: One-time award of $400

Who: Top Air Force enlisted personnel graduating from the Community College of the Air Force who plans to pursue a baccalaureate degree

Deadline: Contact your base education office.

American Legion Auxiliary Mildred R. Knoles Opportunity Scholarships

What: One first-place $1,200 scholarship, with additional $800 scholarships, funds permitting

Who: Veterans, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of veterans who served in the military during eligibility dates for membership in the American Legion. Applicants must be currently attending college and be residents of Illinois or members in good standing of the American Legion, Department of Illinois.

Deadline: March 15

American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarships

What: Five $1,000 scholarships

Who: Member of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion who have paid dues for the two preceding years and for the calendar year in which application is made.

Deadline: March 1

American Military Retirees Association Sgt. Maj. Douglas R. Drum Memorial Scholarship

What: $1,000 to $5,000

Who: Current members of the American Military Retirees Association, spouses, dependent children and grandchildren who are in a full-time two- or four-year undergraduate degree-granting program at an accredited college or university

Deadline: March 2

AMVETS Dr. Aurelio M. Caccomo Family Foundation Memorial Scholarship

What: One $3,000 scholarship

Who: Veterans, including members of the National Guard and reserve, seeking new skills in order to be more competitive in the job market. May be used for part-time or full-time undergraduate courses or accredited degree or certificate programs, including online schools.

Deadline: April 15

AMVETS National Scholarship Program for Veterans

What: Three $4,000 scholarships

Who: Full-time students who are U.S. veterans demonstrating financial need.

Deadline: April 15

Army Aviation Association of America Scholarships

What: $1,000 to $10,000

Who: AAAA members, spouses and unmarried children, grandchildren and siblings. The member's effective date of AAAA membership must be on or before May 1 of the previous year in which the applicant is seeking aid.

Deadline: May 1

Capt. Sean P. Grimes Physician Assistant Educational Scholarship Award

What: One $3,000 scholarship

Who: Member or veteran of active-duty Army, National Guard or Reserve of any military occupational specialty who is seeking training as a physician assistant.

Deadline: Feb. 1

E.E. Mixon Second Dragoons Foundation Scholarships

What: Up to $5,000 (normally $250-$1,000 per selected applicant)

Who: Former cavalrymen or the children of current or former cavalrymen

Deadline: July 15

Foundation of the 1st Cavalry Division Association Active Duty Scholarship Program

What: Up to $1,200 for tuition, books and lab fees

Who: Currently assigned 1st Cavalry Division Troopers who are life members of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and their spouses and children

Deadline: July 1

George Washington Chapter AUSA Scholarships

What: Up to $1,000

Who: George Washington Chapter members (enlisted, officer and civilian) pursuing an undergraduate or advanced degree

Deadline: May 1

Imagine America’s Military Award Program

What: $1,000 for attendance at a participating career college

Who: Active-duty members, reservists and honorably discharged or retired veterans from any branch of service.

Deadline: June 30

JCC Association/JWB Military Chaplaincy Scholarship Program

What: Tuition scholarships for up to four years of rabbinical school, after completion of first year

Who: First-year or higher full-time students enrolled in rabbinical school recognized by one of the four major movements of Judaism in the U.S.: Conservative, Orthodox, Reform and Reconstructionist. Recipients must agree to serve at least one three-year tour of active duty in one of the four branches of the U.S. armed forces immediately upon ordination.

Deadline: Rolling; contact JCCA before applying

John Keys Kentucky Sons of the American Legion Scholarship

What: Amount of individual scholarship awards varies

Who: Members of the Kentucky Sons of the American Legion whose dues for the current membership year are paid, and any honorably discharged veteran who is a legal resident of Kentucky

Deadline: April 1

Joseph A. McAlinden Divers Scholarship

What: $500 to $3,000 per academic year

Who: Active-duty or retired Navy and Marine Corps divers and eligible family members. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students participating in one of the following areas of study: oceanography, ocean agriculture or aquaculture. The scholarship also assists with Navy-recognized advanced diver training, qualifications and certifications.

Deadline: None

Lt. Gen. and Mrs. Joseph M. Heiser Jr. Scholarship Grant Program

What: $1,000

Who: All ordnance soldiers and members of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Association and their dependents

Deadline: June 30

Louisiana National Guard Enlisted Association Tony Lopez Scholarship

What: $2,000

Who: LANGEA members, unmarried dependent children and spouses

Deadline: Feb. 15

Marine Corps Intelligence Educational Foundation John J. Guenther Merit Scholarship

What: Number and amount of scholarships varies based on availability of funds.

Who: Current dues-paying members of the Marine Corps Intelligence Association and eligible family members.

Deadline: July 31

Michigan State DAR Rosamond P. Haeberle Memorial Scholarship

What: At least two $1,500 scholarships

Who: Active-duty, reserve or honorably separated service members who have served on active-duty status for a minimum of 180 continuous days. Must also be Michigan resident and currently accepted to or enrolled in either a two-year or four-year accredited college or university, or a certification/degree program from an accredited technical/trade school in Michigan.

Deadline: March 31

Military Chaplains Association Chaplain Candidate Scholarship

What: $2,000

Who: Seminary students who are currently serving as chaplain candidates in the Air Force, Army or Navy

Deadline: June 30

Military Homes Military Service Appreciation Scholarship

What: Two $1,000 scholarships per semester

Who: Active-duty service members, veterans and dependents.

Deadline: May 1

Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship Program

What: $3,000 academic scholarship

Who: MOPH members, spouses, widows and descendants.

Deadline: Feb. 16

Missouri American Legion Commander’s Scholarships

What: Two $1,000 scholarships

Who: Eligible veterans who are Missouri residents and who are currently attending or plan to attend a vocational technical college, college or university in Missouri

Deadline: April 20

National Federation of Music Clubs Lucile Parrish Ward Veterans Award

What: $1,650

Who: Honorably discharged service members and former music students who wish to resume their study in pursuit of a career in music

Deadline: June 1

National Guard Association of Tennessee Scholarship Program

What: Six $1,500 scholarships

Who: Requirements vary by stipend. Eligible applicants include: active members of the Tennessee Army or Air National Guard, active annual or life members of the NGAT, and current members of the Tennessee National Guard who were mobilized for operations Desert Storm, Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom or Iraqi Freedom.

Deadline: June 15

National Military Intelligence Association Scholarship Program

What: Up to three $3,000 scholarships for full-time undergraduate or graduate study and up to three $2,000 scholarships for part-time undergraduate or graduate study

Who: Students pursuing courses of study and formal degrees in intelligence studies and related disciplines.

Deadline: Dec. 1

Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship Program

What: $500 for part-time students, $1,000 for full-time students

Who: Paralyzed Veterans members, spouses and unmarried children under 24 years old. Applicant must be accepted or enrolled as a full-time or part-time student at an accredited school.

Deadline: June 1

Royal Neighbors Foundation Heroes at Home Scholarships

What: Four scholarships up to $2,500

Who: Female veterans

Deadline: June 1

Society of Sponsors of the United States Navy Centennial Scholarship

What: $3,000 academic scholarship

Who: Navy and Marine Corps OIF and OEF combat-wounded veterans who are full-time students planning to enter the teaching profession. Applicants must have completed an associate degree or the equivalent of two years of study at an accredited college. Cannot be used for correspondence courses, degree at a distance, Internet or external-degree programs.

Deadline: Applications may be submitted anytime during the academic year the scholarship applies to.

U.S. Field Artillery Association Scholarships

What: $1,000

Who: USFAA members and dependents

Deadline: April 1

VaMortgageCenter.com Military Education Scholarships

What: Five semiannual $1,500 scholarships

Who: Active-duty personnel, veterans, ROTC students and dependents

Deadline: May 1 and Nov. 1

Veterans Caucus Scholarship Program

What: $2,000

Who: Honorably discharged veterans, or active members of the Guard or Reserve, who are enrolled in physician assistant training at an accredited program in the U.S.

Deadline: March 1

Veterans of the Vietnam War National Scholarship Program

What: $1,000

Who: VVnW members in good standing for at least one year, spouses and descendants. Applicant must be in or have been accepted to a program of any post-secondary education.

Deadline: Oct. 31

Vietnam Veterans’ Scholarship Program

What: Covers tuition, fees and required books at public and select private colleges in New Mexico

Who: Honorably discharged veterans who were awarded a Vietnam campaign medal for services in Vietnam from Aug. 5, 1964, to the official termination of the conflict. Applicants must have been a resident of New Mexico at the original time of entry into the military or must have lived in New Mexico for 10 years or more.

Deadline: Set by each participating institution

Vietnam Veterans of America Mike Nash Memorial Scholarship Fund

What: $1,000

Who: VVA members, spouses, children, or grandchildren, or a spouse, child or grandchild of an MIA, KIA or deceased Vietnam veteran

Deadline: May 31

Walter Beall Scholarships

What: Unspecified number of $2,000-$5,000 scholarships

Who: Fleet Reserve Association members, spouses, children and grandchildren. Members must have been continuous members for two years prior to the award being made to an applicant. Applicants must pursue engineering, aeronautical engineering or aviation-oriented degrees.

Deadline: April 15

Women Marines Association Scholarship Program

What: Scholarships include WMA Memorial Scholarships, the Lily H. Gridley Memorial Scholarship, the LaRue A. Ditmore Music Scholarship, the Ethyl and Armin Wiebke Memorial Scholarship and the Maj. Megan Malia McClung Memorial Scholarship — all in the amount of $1,500.

Who: Qualified applicants sponsored by WMA members.

Deadline: March 31

For more scholarships, try these free online searches:

• College Board

• FastWeb

• Sallie Mae