Financial Aid for Military and Veterans

by

Veterans and military members can select from many financial aid options to fund their education.In 2018, 893.725 veterans, their dependents and families received educational aid.Many nursing scholarships are available for the public.

Veterans pursue nursing careers for many different reasons. They may want to serve others in the future, have had positive experiences working with nurses while serving, or simply desire a career that provides a wide range of options.This guide explains how to get military nursing scholarships.

Military and Veteran Financial Aid Programs

Montgomery GI Bill (r)

TheMontgomery GI Bill(MBIB) is the first law to offer educational stipends for veterans.The bill is available to selected active-duty military personnel and to those who have paid into the program over a period of one year. It also includes an option to buy-up benefits.Instead of institutions, students receive direct stipends.MGIB AD benefits can be used for up to 10 years by participants.

Participants receive funding only for approved programs. To ensure that a potential school or program qualifies before you enroll, use the a data-wpel-link=”external” href=”https://www.va.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool”.TheGI bill comparison toolcan be used to check if a school or program is approved before enrolling.The GI Bill also covers licensing and certification exams
Veteran who served on active duty between June 30th, 1985 and today with a minimum of two years unbroken service as well as an honorable discharge are eligible to apply.Reservists and active duty servicemen who joined before 1977 are eligible for different benefits.
The application for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Educational benefits must be completed online, or in a Veterans Affairs service center.Veterans should review all their options before deciding to utilize the Montgomery GI Bill.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

ThePost-9/11 GI Billextends educational benefits to veterans and their spouses.This program provides veterans with a monthly stipend to cover housing and books. It also pays directly for tuition at the institutions.The monthly verification of enrollment is required.

The student receives financial support for 36-months in either on-campus programs or online courses, as well as a monthly payment for housing and a stipend for textbooks and supplies.Also covered are vocational, technical and on-the job training programs.The program covers all expenses in full at public schools in the state, but private and foreign schools are limited.
Veterans with 30 active days since September 10, 2001 and military personnel with 90 active days may be eligible. They must also have an honorable discharge or a Purple Heart.Your eligibility will expire 15 years from the date you leave military service if your service was completed before January 1, 2013.Your benefits will not expire if your service was completed after this date.
The applicant must fill outVA form 22-1990either online, via mail or in a VA center.Service officers can help veterans review and fill out the forms.

Yellow Ribbon Program

This agreement is part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and provides veterans with funds to attend private schools or those located outside their state.The student must attend aaccredited degree-granting institutionand agree to receive a certain number of scholarship each year.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill does not pay for private or out-of state tuition.The same requirements apply as for the GI Bill.It is the school that decides the amount of funding each student will receive, not the VA or the military.
Veterans who have received the maximum Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit amount are eligible for this opportunity.Candidates must be enrolled in an accredited school.Even if the benefits are transferred, spouses, dependents and active duty military members will not be eligible. However, starting in August 2022, spouses can use the benefits of an eligible member.
Participating institutions maintain distinct application requirements.Candidates usually apply along with their VA Certificates of Eligibility.The VA’s website lists-approved programs. Schools advertise their participation.

National Call to Service

This incentive program is used by the Department of Defense to promote national service, and to attract talent into special occupation fields.This initiative does not fall under the GI Bill and those who participate are not eligible to receive full GI Bill benefits unless re-enlist.Prospective military nurses are also eligible to apply.

The Montgomery GI Bill offers a choice to each enrollee: a $5,000 sign-up bonus, up $18,000 of qualified student loan reimbursement, or a portional allowance.
You can review the qualification details online.You can view thequalificationson-line.
Participants should check with recruiters to determine if they are eligible and then completeVA form 22-1990N, (Application to VA Education Benefits under the National Call to Service Program).

Education Aid for Survivors and their Dependents

ThisEducation Assistance Program, also known as Chapter 35, benefits dependents and survivors of deceased servicemen or veterans who have permanent disabilities.This program provides funding for spouses, dependent survivors and service members who died while on active duty.

The recipient receives amonthly allowanceup to $1,000 for education programs in approved institutions of higher learning, technical colleges, and on-the job training. This award is valid for 45 months.The maximum amount for apprenticeships is $745 in the first six-month period of training. After that, it drops to less than this.
The initiative provides support to the spouses, children, and other dependents who have been affected by total or permanent disability due to military service. It also supports those families who lost a loved one to disability while serving on active duty.
To confirm your eligibility, contact the VA and fill outVA form 22-5490. This is the Dependents’ Application for VA Educational Benefits.The form should be sent to the school by students who are already in a course.

ROTC Nursing Programs

Army ROTC Nursing

TheArmy Reserve Officers’ Training Corpsprogram is available in over 1100 colleges.The curriculum was designed to help students prepare for the enlistment of officers. It teaches military and leadership skills.The program requires that participants complete their training during college and then commit themselves to four years in the Army.

ROTC Nurse Training Program offers practical nursing experiences, military scholarships and individualized job preparation.Summer curriculum exposes cadets the Army Medical Department, and officers of army nurse corps.During the three-week paid clinical experience, students learn practical skills and how to solve problems.

The ROTC offers competitive scholarship opportunities to nursing students throughout their four-year undergraduate program.The awards cover tuition and books as well as a living allowance of $300 to $500.

ROTC awards scholarships according to the current standing of the candidates’ degree.The recipient of the scholarship must be between 17 and 26 years old. They also need to meet certain physical requirements, have a GPA over 2.5, a minimum SAT score of 1000, as well as agreeing to serve with the U.S. Army Reserves or Army.

Navy ROTC Nursing

TheNavy ROTC Nursing programallows candidates to enlist in the Navy Nurse Corps as officers while earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at schools that are affiliated with Navy ROTC.Midshipmen are the participants.

The midshipmen take courses on maritime affairs and leadership, as well as naval science.Participants undergo drill training and instruction for 2-4 weeks during the summer.The Navy Nurse Corps requires that graduates serve a minimum of four years on active duty.

The Navy Nursing Scholarship covers tuition, fees and books. It also includes a living allowance and book stipend.The scholarship includes Navy uniforms, textbooks, and three summer cruises.Navy ROTC nurses learn clinical skills and technical knowledge in hospital settings.

Navy nurses are involved in a wide range of activities, including working in ships and hospitals, with military personnel, their families and civillians.Nursing specializations include radiology and physical therapy.

The applicant must be 17 to 27 years of age, attend a school approved by the Department and have no criminal convictions or moral issues that would disqualify them.The midshipmen are required to meet medical and physical requirements.

Military Nursing Corps

Air Force Nursing

TheAir Force Nursing Corpsoffers medical care to airmen, their families, and the military in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and on-the-field.Air Force Nurses often work at state-of the-art bases or evacuation units.

Nurses with a specialization enjoy higher salaries and benefits as commissioned officers.Air Force career advancement and advanced training opportunities can lead to rewarding careers in military or civilian settings.

The Center for Sustainment of trauma and Readiness Skills offers specialized nursing training in areas such as expeditionary medical assistance, epidemiology or neonatal care.Air Force fellowships are available in executive and advanced development as well as critical care.

Nurse Corps Specialties are eligible for two- and three year scholarships.Health Professions Scholarship Program covers all tuition and fees.The recipients must agree to serve one year in active duty for every year they are funded.

Participants must be registered nurses aged 18 to 48.Before joining the Nursing Corps, nurses must go through a rigorous selection process. They also receive commissioned officer training.

Army Nurse Corps

TheArmy Nurse Corpsis one of six medical corps in the U.S. Army.The nurses provide care to servicemen, veterans and their families.

Army Nurse Corps provides a wide range of professional development and education opportunities.The Army Nurse Corps is a respected group of commissioned officers that lead healthcare teams.They often work in high-tech healthcare environments, which allows them to develop their technical skills and solve problems.

Students and practitioners in nursing can apply for the Army Nurse Corps. They have the choice of active duty service or reserve service.Nurses on active duty receive an extensive benefits package, including officer pay, housing allowance, possible sign-on bonus, etc.

Student can apply to receive up $120,000 in loan repayments.Nursing reserves nurses can benefit from increased training and incentive programs while continuing to practice in their community.

There are military scholarships available to nursing students pursuing graduate nursing degrees.The scholarships cover the tuition, fees and monthly salary.

Navy Nurse Corps

TheNavy Nurse Corpsis responsible for providing medical services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and their personnel. This includes preventative treatments and clinical testing.These nurses, also known as hospital corpsmen or Navy Medical Corpsmen, can work in Navy medical facilities or be deployed with Fleet Marine Force or Navy units. They may even participate in humanitarian missions.The hospital corpsman is trained in surgical assistance, dental and emergency treatment and field medical care.

Students who enroll in certain graduate nursing programs are eligible for the Health Professions Scholarship Program, which covers their tuition costs and includes a monthly living allowance. A sign-on bonus is also provided at the time of graduation.Graduate students can receive between $157,000 and $269,000. They also get a housing allowance as well as additional military pay.Federal Assistance Program provides more than $275,000 for medical residency. It also offers a $45,000 annual grant and a monthly allowance.

If you are not a nurse, but would like to join the Navy Nursing Corps, then all that is required of you before beginning hospital corpsman training is a high-school diploma.Participants who want to obtain medical certifications receive intensive practical training as well as one-on-1 mentorship.

Military Veterans and Military Nurses Scholarships

The applicant must be an active member of the Army, enrolled in a medical program that meets certain requirements. This includes specialized nursing degrees.Amount: Tuition plus a monthly stipend of $2,000 and a sign-on bonus of $20,000; allowances each month for housing and food; cost of textbooks, equipment and other fees.
This scholarship is available to students pursuing nursing degrees or nurse anesthesia. It supports servicemen and women from all branches of the Armed Forces, as well as their families and children.The participants may not be eligible for other U.S. Army funding.The Amountvaries
The scholarship is for the spouses and children of servicemen or women who have died or suffered a disability in service on or after September 11, 2001.Amount: In-state tuition for all public schools, or as much as $22,805 per annum, plus housing costs, books and supplies
The award is for nursing students serving in the Navy on a full-time basis.Contact Navy Medical Officer recruiters if you are interested.Amount: initial grant of 10,000 dollars; $1,000 additional monthly stipend up to 24 month
This scholarship is for adult students who are returning to school after a long break. It covers the costs of attending schools, programs in professional fields, as well as two and four year degree programs.The applicant must be a member of the American Legion or Sons of the American Legion.Annual Amount: $2,000
AMVETS offers a variety of scholarships to veterans, servicemen and women, reserve personnel, their children and grandchildren, as well as spouses and dependents.The amount of the awards varies.Amount: up to $4,000 per year
The Pat Tillman Foundation provides merit-based scholarship to service members, veterans and spouses of military personnel who are interested in a career path within the public or private sector.Students must be in full-time graduate or undergraduate studies.The scholarship winners also enjoy other benefits such as an extensive network of professionals and access to partner events, like Aspen Ideas Festival or SXSW.Amount: Varies; $10,000 average
The Purple Heart Award is for Purple Heart Recipients, their spouses and direct descendants.The applicant must be a full-time student and a member of the MOPH would be recommended.The AmountVaries
This scholarship is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus for Catholic Colleges.This award is for candidates whose parent was killed in hostile action or became permanently disabled while serving as a military member.The application must be submitted within two years from the date of death, or an official declaration of disability.Amount: maximum of $25,000 per annum; only covers tuition
Veterans and service members can apply to this award, which is a collaboration between the Student Veterans of America and Sport Clips Haircuts.The applicant must be a service member with a rank below E-5 and show financial need.Amount: $5,000
This scholarship is sponsored by an attorney’s office in New York and offers financial aid to veterans of the Armed Forces.The applicant must submit proof of military service, an essay, and have been accepted or enrolled at an accredited institution.Amount: $2,500
The U.S. Veterans Magazine scholarship directory offers a wide range of opportunities for financial assistance.Veterans, their spouses and children are eligible for the majority of scholarships. Award amounts and requirements may vary.The Amount: Variable
This award is open to all military personnel, veterans and their spouses.The applicants must respond to the prompt with a 250 word essay.Amount: $1,000
The grant is open to the spouses, children, and grandchildren of Air Force and Space Force active duty members, retirees, reservists, or reservists.The committee will consider need-based factors, such as family income and educational costs.Amount: $500-$4,000
The Navy Nursing Scholarship is available to the grandchildren and children of Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, Air Crewmen or Veterans who have served aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.The applicants must be recent high school graduates who are preparing to enter a bachelor’s degree program.Amount: $3,000-$15,000

Veterans and Active Military Personnel Resources

On the Department of Education’s website for student aid, there is a list of resources for family members and military personnel.

Students can use the VA website to find out about approved programs and schools, apply for VA benefits and research them, as well as keep up with news related to benefits.Veterans and military spouses can find nursing scholarship resources.

The organization has support centers located on several campuses.SVA provides students with resources such as scholarships, mentorships and more.

VFW has been a resource for veterans and their families since 1924.

DAV helps veterans transitioning to civilian life by securing the resources they need for them, their family, and caretakers.This organization offers outreach programs as well as employment resources.

The American Legion, the largest veteran’s service organization in America is a nonprofit.On the group’s site, you can find a listing of educational benefits for each state.

The *GI Bill (r) trademark is owned by the VA. For more information on the VA education benefits, visit the website of the U.S. Government.

Tips for Working with a Recruiter in the Nursing Field

Resume Guide for Nurses: How to Tailor Your Nursing Resume

Nursing Scholarships and Grants – Best Nursing Scholarships

Survival Tips for Nurses Working the Night Shift

Men In Nursing Enter a Predominantly Female Career Field