There are a number of different categories for veteran scholarships that one can examine. It essentially depends on one’s interest and background. Knowing one’s background is pretty straightforward, it is about realizing that there are scholarships available that match it. Knowing one’s interests is a bit harder because there are scholarships which fund people for future careers. That means one would have had decided on their future career. The truth is many people change career path before, during, and after college. Although, veterans being older may have a more dedicated decision for their career path.

There are a number of scholarships available for those who may be looking to leverage their military service. The Veterans Administration (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) both have needs of veterans and have scholarships available. There is a whole slew of scholarships based in National Security that can provide a career into any number of federal departments like DoD, Homeland Security, and the Department of State. Although, these types of scholarships are not strictly veteran scholarships, they can be veteran friendly.

Specifically veteran scholarships are available through organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), AMVETS, and American Legion. Although, even here some scholarships may be directed at certain careers or at the children of veterans. There are numerous small to large scholarships that are given out by organizations that may be open to all veterans or specific individuals. Military organizations many times provide veteran scholarships. These military organizations are often association of a certain branch of the military, members from a certain grouping (company, division, squadron, wing, fleet, ship, etc.), or specialty. Then there are a string of patriotically oriented organizations that provide scholarships too.

Some schools offer veteran scholarships. They may be from the state, the school, or a fund managed by the school. Although these schools may not be one’s first choice as they can be small or far-flung, but they can be worth attending because the scholarship can be substantial. So, when looking for money for college as a veteran and a school name pops-up be sure to follow-up.

All this is not to discount the best of veteran scholarships in the form of the GI Bill. First established following World War II, the federal government has provided funds for veterans to go to college. The recent advent of the GI Bill since 1985 is that the amount of funds available are based upon a contribution basis and are available for up to ten years after discharge. Looking at what may be available for the GI Bill would be the first step for a veteran.