According to the American Council on Education, the number of active-duty personnel, reservists, and veterans using military benefits to pay for higher education has grown considerably since 2001. This increase is largely due to the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, a federal educational assistance program for veterans and service members. The number of military personnel enrolled in colleges and universities has also increased significantly in recent years.
As of 2021, students using the GI Bill will receive in-state tuition rates at public schools, regardless of when they were discharged. Before 2021, students had to be within three years of their discharge date for this type of tuition relief.
Individuals looking for military MBA scholarships should research the schools, professional organizations, and other resources listed below.
While the GI Bill provides significant financial support, there are many other scholarships for veterans and active-duty personnel. A number of organizations offer military scholarships, including corporations, nonprofits, fraternities, and professional associations. Many of these scholarships specifically provide MBA scholarships for veterans.
This page describes financial aid options for military personnel and veterans pursuing a college education. Common awards include private scholarships, federal loan forgiveness, grants, and tuition assistance programs. Individuals looking for military MBA scholarships should research the schools, professional organizations, and other resources listed below.
Financial Aid Programs for Military and Veterans
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Financial Aid Programs by Branch Eligibility
| Financial Aid Program | Branches Eligible | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Army Loan Repayment Program | Army | The Army LRP helps military occupational specialists repay their loans. To qualify, students must hold a high school degree, serve for a minimum of three years, and decline participation in the Montgomery GI Bill. Payments cover 33.3% of outstanding principal loan balance. Students can receive this benefit for up to three years. |
| College of the American Soldier | Army | Supported by the American Council on Education, the College of the American Soldier features two options, the non-commissioned officer program and the enlisted education program. The programs prefer Combat Arms NCOs, but are open to soldiers in all MOSs. |
| Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP) | Army, Army Reserve | ConAPbenefits individuals in the Army, Army Reserve or Future Soldier Program. This program allows students to earn college credit for courses taken and training received during active duty. Through this program, students can transfer their credits once they finish their service. More than 1,900 schools participate in ConAP. |
| Navy College Fund (NCF) | Navy, Naval Reserve | NCF is a part of the MGIB program exclusively for members of the Navy. To qualify, students must be high school graduates between 17 and 35 years old. Candidates must serve on active duty for a minimum of three years. The amount of money awarded depends on when candidates entered active duty. |
| Navy College Program | Navy, Naval Reserve | The Navy College Programassists sailors actively serving in the Navy. The program boasts several resources and benefits, including up to $250 per semester hour. To qualify, students must attend an accredited institution and serve on active duty for the entire duration of their courses. Tuition assistance does not cover books, materials, or miscellaneous academic fees. |
| Air University | Air Force | Headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, Air University grants degrees and pre-commissioning services to officers, enlisted members of the Air Force, and civilians. The school is a key component of Air Education and Training Command. Air University also houses the Community College of the Air Force. |
| Community College of the Air Force | Air Force | The Community College of the Air Force partners with more than 108 affiliated Air Force schools and 1,500 civilian academic institutions. The college awards associate in applied science degrees. The goal of the school is to help airmen capitalize on their education and training in order to transition into successful careers. |
| Scholarships for Outstanding Airman to ROTC (SOAR) | Air Force | The SOAR program helps active-duty Air Force personnel with less than six years of service. Funds cover up to $15,000 per year in tuition, a $250-$400 monthly stipend, and a yearly allowance of $510 for textbooks. To qualify, students must be nominated by a Wing Commander or equivalent and attend a minimum of two years of higher education. |
| Special Education Program | Marines | The Special Education Programassists select members of the Marine corps. SEP students must attend the Naval Postgraduate School in California, the Air Force Institute of Technology in Ohio, or an accredited civilian school. Participants must complete their degrees in one calendar year. Under this program, the Marine Corps pays all tuition, fees, and travel, as well as $100 each quarter for textbooks. |
| Montgomery GI Bill for Special Reserves (MGIB-SR) | Army Reserve, National Guard | MGIB-SR benefits members of the reserves or National Guard. To be eligible, students must agree to serve as a reservist for six years. Participants receive monthly payments depending on their specific credentials. Students can receive this benefit for up to three years. |
| National Guard GI Bill® Kicker | Army National Guard | The Kicker program is paid in conjunction with the Montgomery GI Bill. The benefit assists Army National Guard members who enlist in critical units and specialties. Monthly payments range from $50 to $350 depending on duration of service and enrollment status. Participants can receive this benefit for up to three years. Military personnel in other branches can receive a different form of the GI Kicker. |
| National Guard Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) | National Guard | The National Guard SLRP helps soldiers and officer candidates pay off their loans. To qualify, students must have one or more Title IV federal student loans and commit to a minimum of six years of service. The amount of money awarded for repayment varies. However, the SLRP maxes out at $50,000. Other eligibility requirements may apply. |
| Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships | Coast Guard | The Coast Guard Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for active-duty and reserve members of the U.S. Coast Guard. The foundation also offers benefits to children and spouses. These programs cover education expenses not met by the GI Bill, including books, fees, transportation, and child care. |
How to Find Scholarships for MBA Students
Determine how much federal aid you are eligible to receive Before anything else, students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can help you figure out how much need-based aid you are eligible to receive. The government calculates this sum by subtracting the expected family contribution from the total cost of attendance. Many MBA scholarships for veterans use FAFSA figures to determine students' financial need.
Find military-friendly schools for business students To find military-friendly schools, business students should scour the many online resources available. Students should look specifically for schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, offer military MBA scholarships, and provide tuition discounts for service members.
Seek privately funded military scholarships There are dozens of MBA scholarships for veterans across the U.S. Students should visit the federal student aid website and use online search tools to find privately funded military scholarships. Options includes the American Legion, AMVETS, Air Force ROTC, ARMY ROTC, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Apply to as many scholarships as possible To increase the chances of being awarded, students should apply to as many scholarships as possible. Learners can apply to MBA scholarships for veterans, active-duty personnel, reserve members, and dependents.
Read our Guide to MBA Scholarships
Military MBA Scholarships
Resources for Active Military and Veterans
Military OneSource
Provided by the the Department of Veterans Affairs, Military OneSource connects veterans and their families to educational resources, employment opportunities, compensation programs, and other helpful resources.
American Society of Military Comptrollers
Originally established as the Society of Military Accountants and Statisticians, ASMC now represents financial management professionals in the Department of Defense and Coast Guard. Members receive many benefits, including access to networking, professional development, and educational opportunities.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
DHHS provides resources to help Americans live healthy lives. The department offers specialized resources for active service members, veterans, and their families. Benefits include education and training opportunities and health and wellness programs.
Military Skills Translator
This military skills translator helps veterans convert their military experience into language that civilian hiring managers will better understand. The translator can also help veterans decide which degree or career to pursue.
Veterans Employment Center
The Veterans Employment Center works in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Labor to help active service members, veterans, and their families connect with employers. The center helps clients transition their military experience into meaningful careers.
* GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
