Introduction to Military Nursing Financial Aid
If you’re a veteran or currently serving in the military and interested in becoming a nurse, this guide provides information about military nursing education benefits and financial assistance for service members and veterans.
It includes a list of the top scholarships for military families available to nursing students from military backgrounds.
Military veterans and members have various options for financial aid for military veterans pursuing nursing degrees to support their education. In 2021, over 841,000 veterans, families, and dependents received educational assistance.
There are also many scholarships for nursing available to the general public.
Many veterans choose a nursing career for different reasons, such as a desire to continue serving others, positive experiences with nurses during their military service, or seeking a job with diverse career paths. This guide delves into military nursing career scholarships and financial aid, including veterans nursing scholarships, and how to apply for them.
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A Comprehensive Guide to Completing the FAFSA
Financial Aid Programs for Military and Veterans
Veterans, active-duty military, and their families can access the following educational assistance programs. Keep in mind that using one military financial aid program might limit your eligibility for others.
For instance, you can only benefit from one program from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) per military service period. If you need help deciding which educational benefits to choose, call the VA at 888-442-4551.
GI Bill and Other Military Benefits for Nursing Students
Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty
The GI Bill, known as MGIB or MGIB-AD, is a renowned military benefit and financial aid option for service members.
It typically covers tuition and housing for approved college and training programs. The exact amount depends on various factors, but the VA’s website and advisors can assist you in identifying the veteran financial aid you qualify for and which program suits you best.
Eligibility Criteria
Active-duty service members with a high school diploma, GED certificate, or at least 12 college credits and a minimum of two years of active service may qualify. Check the VA website for specific details.
Coverage Details
This veterans financial aid program is limited to specific schools and programs that have received approval. If the program you want to attend is not on the list, you can request the school’s approval. However, approval is not guaranteed.
The details of veteran financial aid amounts differ based on the type of program or school you’re attending, and you can find this information in the listing for individual approved programs.
Application Process
How to Apply
You can apply online, by mail, or in person. If you encounter any application difficulties, ask for free assistance. After you begin attending school, you must confirm your continued enrollment each month, which can be done online or by phone.
Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
Also known as MGIB-SR, this military financial aid program is for members of military reserve programs. It can cover up to 36 months of educational or training financial assistance.
To be eligible for this military financial aid, you need to have a six-year service obligation or an active agreement to serve an additional six years beyond your initial obligation.
Eligibility Criteria
In addition to the six-year service obligation, you must complete your initial active-duty training and possess a high school diploma or GED certificate. You should also be in good standing with your unit or have been discharged due to circumstances beyond your control.
Coverage Details
The specific amount of financial aid for military reserve members changes annually. As of October 2022, full-time students could receive up to $439 per month. You must attend an approved school or program. If a program is not yet approved, you can ask the school or provider to seek approval.
Application Process
To apply, ask your unit for a notice of eligibility (DD Form 2384-1) and ensure that the program or school is approved. Application can be done online, by mail, or in person. Free assistance with the application is also available.
Post-9/11 GI Bill
The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers financial aid for military members who served on active duty on or before September 11, 2001 (9/11), and for their children. Recipients can receive up to 48 months of financial aid, although the VA notes that “many applicants are eligible for only 36 months.”
If you left the service before January 1, 2013, you have 15 years before the benefits expire; for those who left after that date, the veteran financial aid doesn’t expire.
Eligibility Criteria
This veteran financial aid is for military members who served on active duty on or after 9/11 for at least 90 days, received a Purple Heart and honorable discharge after 9/11, or served at least 30 days and received an honorable discharge after a service-related disability.
Eligible members can transfer this military financial aid to their children.
Coverage Details
Recipients are eligible for up to 48 months of military financial aid, covering the full cost of public, in-state tuition and fees. It also includes a housing allowance (amount varies based on basic allowance for housing with dependents), up to $1,000 for books and supplies, and a one-time $500 travel subsidy for certain rural residents.
Application Process
You can apply online through the VA website, by mail, or in person at designated offices. Free assistance with your application is also available. The average processing time is 30 days. 
Yellow Ribbon Program
The Yellow Ribbon Program offers extensive financial aid for military members, veterans, and their dependents, including those attending out-of-state, private, foreign, or graduate schools, beyond what’s covered by the Post-9/11 program.
Through this program, the school and the military share the cost difference between the expenses covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the regular fees.
Eligibility Criteria
This veterans financial aid program is available only at schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program (listed on the VA website) that have not reached their maximum student capacity for that year.
Students must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill and meet additional service length requirements, detailed on the website.
Coverage Details
This financial aid for veterans program covers tuition and fees at a higher level than the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The extent of coverage depends on the agreement between the school and the Yellow Ribbon Program, which may cover all tuition and fees or a portion of the difference. Each school’s listing provides specific details.
Application Process
Once you’ve successfully applied for Post-9/11 financial aid for veterans benefits, you’ll receive a certificate of eligibility. Send this to the school, and they will inform you about the program’s availability for that year and the eligible amount.
National Call to Service
The National Call to Service military financial aid program is an alternative to the MGIB for veterans who served specific, unbroken lengths of service in a designated military occupational specialty. This program offers a choice of veteran financial aid awards, including a cash bonus or education assistance.
This is the only VA financial aid for veterans program that provides an alternative to educational support.
Eligibility Criteria
You need to have completed your initial entry training, served on active duty for 15 months in a designated military occupational specialty as decided by the Secretary of Defense, and immediately followed that with either additional active duty or 24 months of service in the Selected Reserve.
You must also have spent the remainder of your service on active duty, in a reserve role, or in another eligible service role such as Americorps. Specific eligibility details can be found on the VA website or through your recruiter.
Coverage Details
This program offers veteran financial aid in several forms: a $5,000 cash bonus, up to $18,000 in student loan repayment for qualifying loans, 12 months of education assistance equivalent to the three-year monthly MGIB rate, or 50% of the less-than-three-year monthly MGIB rate for 36 months.
Application Process
You can apply online for this veterans financial aid. If you have questions, call 1-888-442-4551, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CST, for assistance with this or other GI Bill benefits.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance
The Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) program, known as Chapter 35, provides financial aid for military families of veterans who were killed, captured, disabled, or missing in the line of duty.
Eligibility Criteria
Children of service members who were killed, captured, disabled, or are currently missing can qualify if they’re between 18-26 years old. Those over 18 who use the DEA are ineligible for dependency and indemnity aid.
Spousal benefits last for either 10 or 20 years, depending on the circumstances. Check the website for specific details. Attend an approved school or program.
Coverage Details
Until July 2023, this financial aid for military families offers $1,401 per month for full-time students and reduced rates for part-time students. The amounts change annually and are listed online. Students can receive benefits for up to 36 months.
Application Process
You can apply online or by mail. If you need assistance, the VA provides free help with your application.
ROTC Nursing Programs
The Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) provides military financial aid for college students in exchange for their commitment to enlist as officers in the Army, Navy, or Air Force upon graduation.
During college, students take regular classes alongside military science courses. Students receive funding for tuition, room and board, and additional expenses like textbooks. For those planning a military career, this can be an efficient path to a degree and entry into the military as an officer, coupled with valuable leadership training.
You need to meet the standard requirements for military enlistment, pass the physical fitness test, and maintain a minimum GPA, which varies by branch. Specific GPA requirements must also be maintained.
Military Nursing Corps
Military nursing corps members are nurses or nursing students who receive either student loan forgiveness for nurses or scholarships in exchange for a period of military service. You can choose between full-time and part-time options. Those with a nursing degree attain officer status upon enlistment.
Military nurses serve domestically or abroad on military bases or other assignments. Participants might be able to undergo additional training that can lead to salary increases or eligibility for certifications.
Those working in combat situations are eligible for combat pay, and military nurses can also receive retention bonuses.
Nursing Scholarships for Military and Veterans
In addition to the veterans’ and military financial aid options mentioned above, there are also scholarships available to help cover educational expenses. Many of these scholarships are funded by organizations other than the military.
American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship
Designed for adults returning to education later in life, this scholarship supports attendance at professional programs, schools, and two- or four-year degree programs.
Applicants should be active members of the American Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion.
Amount: $2,000 annually
American Legion Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship is for children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty or who, due to their service, have a combined VA disability rating of 50% or higher. Awardees can receive up to $20,000 annually for undergraduate or graduate programs based on financial need and expenses.
Recipients can receive up to a total of six awards.
Amount: Up to $20,000 annually, renewable
AMVETS Scholarships
AMVETS sponsors various scholarships for veterans, active-duty service members, reserves personnel, as well as their spouses, children, and grandchildren. Award amounts vary.
Amount: $4,000-$12,000
Fisher House Foundation Scholarships
The Fisher House Foundation provides financial aid for military families and veterans. The scholarships include the Heroes Legacy Scholarship for children of military members who died or were disabled after 9/11.
They also offer funds for military spouses, which can be used for college, certification, continuing education programs, or other educational or business-related expenses. Scholarships are available for children of active and retired military members too. Amounts and requirements vary.
Amount: Varies
Francis P. Matthews and John E. Swift Educational Trust Scholarships
This award assists candidates with a parent killed or permanently disabled due to hostile action during military service. Applications must be filed within two years of the date of death or official disability determination. Recipients must attend a bachelor’s program at a Catholic college.
Amount: Maximum of $25,000 per year, covering tuition only
Health Professions Scholarship Program
Eligible applicants must be active-duty Army members enrolled in approved medical programs, including specialty nursing graduate degrees.
Amount: Full tuition, plus $2,608 monthly stipend and a $20,000 sign-on bonus; monthly allowances for food and housing; cost of books, equipment, and other fees
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)
This scholarship provides funding for spouses or children of active-duty service members who died in the line of duty or due to a service-related disability on or after September 11, 2001.
Amount: Full in-state tuition costs for public schools or up to $22,805 per year, plus housing, books, and supplies costs
Military Order of the Purple Heart Scholarship
This award offers financial aid to Purple Heart recipients, their spouses, and their direct descendants. Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students. Membership is recommended.
Amount: Varies
Pat Tillman Foundation
The Pat Tillman Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to help service members, veterans, and military spouses begin careers in the public and private sectors. Applicants should be full-time undergraduate or graduate students.
Amount: Varies; average of $10,000
Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship
Service members and veterans are eligible for this collaborative scholarship offered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Student Veterans of America, and Sport Clips Haircuts. Applicants should hold a military rank of E-5 or below and demonstrate financial need.
Amount: $5,000
Tailhook Educational Foundation Scholarship
This Navy nursing scholarship supports the children and grandchildren of Naval aviators, Naval flight officers, air crewmen, or veterans who served on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Applicants should be high school graduates planning to enroll in an undergraduate program.
Amount: $3,500-$15,000
TonaLaw Veterans Scholarship
Sponsored by a New York law office, this scholarship provides funding for Armed Forces veterans. Applicants need to submit proof of service and an essay. They should also be enrolled or accepted at an accredited school.
Amount: $2,500
Resources for Active Military and Veterans
These organizations can assist you in finding and applying for financial aid for veterans and military members. Some of them also offer their own scholarships or funding opportunities.
Aid for Military Families
The Department of Education’s student aid website provides a list of resources for military personnel and their families.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The VA’s website helps students locate approved schools and programs, research and apply for benefits, and stay updated on benefits-related news. Military spouses and veterans can also find information about nursing scholarships.
Student Veterans of America
This organization advocates for veteran education and benefits and has support centers on many campuses. SVA connects students with scholarships, mentorships, and other resources.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
VFW is a long-standing resource organization that sponsors community centers and helps veterans access benefits.
Disabled American Veterans
DAV supports veterans in obtaining resources for themselves, their families, and caregivers as they transition to civilian life. The organization conducts outreach programs and offers employment resources.
The American Legion
As the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, the American Legion’s website provides state-specific educational benefits.
Additional Resources for Military and Veteran Nursing Students
For additional support, the following resources can assist you in navigating the application process:
- Department of Veterans Affairs – Offers information on financial aid for military veterans pursuing nursing degrees and a list of approved nursing programs.
- Student Veterans of America – A community that connects veterans with scholarships for veterans attending nursing school and provides additional resources to support their educational goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Military Nursing Education Benefits
Will the military pay for my nursing school?
The military offers scholarships or loan forgiveness for nurses in exchange for service in a military nurse corps. Military members and veterans can also access financial aid during or after service to support nursing school.
Do military kids get financial aid?
Children and dependents of service members and veterans are eligible for various VA education benefit programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Yellow Ribbon Program, and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance.
Some private scholarships are also available to children of military members.
Can you study nursing while in the military?
Programs like ROTC or the military nurse corps can cover nursing school costs in exchange for military service. The AMEDD Enlisted Commissioning Program allows military members to enroll in nursing school and have expenses covered.
Are military nurses in demand?
The military requires nurses and nurse practitioners, offering scholarships, loan forgiveness, and signing/re-enlistment bonuses of up to $30,000 for registered nurses and more for advanced practice nurses.
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