Thousands of disabled veterans pursue higher education each year to advance their careers, gain new skills, or start over after service. However, with the added challenges that come from a service-connected disability, paying for school can seem impossible without financial assistance.
Fortunately, there are numerous scholarships, grants, and other financial aid specially designed to help disabled veterans afford the education they’ve earned.
Understanding Disabled Veteran Status
Before exploring specific scholarship programs, it’s important to understand how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) determines eligibility for disabled veteran benefits. A service-connected disability means an injury or illness incurred or aggravated during active military service. The VA assigns a disability rating from 0-100% based on the severity of the conditions.
Key thresholds that impact eligibility for certain scholarships include:
- 10% or higher: Receives disabled veteran status.
- 30% or higher: Considered “significantly disabled” for purposes of priority registration and parking accommodations at schools.
- 50% or higher: Becomes eligible for additional compensation benefits from the VA.
- 100%: Receives VA benefits at the maximum allowable rate. Often unable to maintain substantial gainful employment due to service-connected disabilities.
Keep your VA disability rating letter handy when applying for scholarships. Programs may require a minimum rating or proof of disabled veteran status. Now, let’s explore the major sources of disabled veterans scholarship aid available.
Scholarships from the VA and Other Federal Agencies
As the primary agency serving veterans, the VA offers several scholarship options specifically for disabled veterans and their dependents or survivors. Here are a few of the major scholarships to consider:
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) Program
The VR&E [Voc-Rehab] program provides up to 48 months of education and training benefits worth around $30,000 to disabled veterans with a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%. It covers tuition, fees, books, supplies, and even living expenses, depending on your situation. The goal is to prepare for and maintain suitable employment.
VA Scholarships for Dependents of Veterans with Service-Connected Permanent & Total Disabilities (SAEP)
Children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition may receive up to 45 months of scholarship benefits under this program. It provides tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend of over $1,000.
Education Debt Reduction Program
This program helps eligible disabled veterans reduce education debt loads by making monthly payments directly to schools or loan servicers on qualifying federal or private student loans. It covers loans of up to $24,000, and payments can go up to $3,000 per year.
Work-Study Allowance Program
This VA program provides part-time and temporary jobs for veterans receiving VR&E services. It allows students to both gain job experience and help cover living costs through small hourly wages.
In addition to the VA, other federal agencies offer disabled veteran scholarships including:
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program: Prioritizes applications from veterans for science and engineering graduate degrees.
- U.S. Department of Labor Hire Vets Medallion Program: Employers who hire, retain, and support disabled veterans may receive funding and recognition.
- Smithsonian Institution Latino Center Mellon Dissertation Fellowship: Open to Latino/veterans pursuing PhD programs related to Latino Studies.
Taking full advantage of federal aid is the best way to maximize funding and minimize out-of-pocket education costs as a disabled veteran. Let’s explore additional options from state governments and private organizations now.
State Disabled Veterans Scholarship Programs
Many state governments recognize the commitment of veterans within their borders by offering tuition assistance programs. Award amounts and eligibility criteria vary significantly, so always check your state’s Veterans Affairs website for the latest information. Some states with notable scholarship offerings include:
California College Fee Waiver Program
Waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at California community colleges and California State University schools for eligible disabled veterans and dependents. Reimburses qualifying private or out-of-state schools up to $2,301 per year.
New York State Veterans Tuition Awards Program
Provides up to 4 years or eight semesters of full-time undergraduate tuition to approved postsecondary schools in New York for residents with a 30% or higher VA disability rating.
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship
Covers instructional and general fees at Ohio public colleges and universities for dependent children and spouses of veterans who died or became totally and permanently disabled due to service.
Texas Hazlewood Act
Veterans with at least 181 days of active service and an honorable discharge, along with their spouses and children, may receive tuition exemption for up to 150 hours at public colleges and universities in Texas.
Keep your residency in mind, as the large majority of state aid programs only serve residents. But even if your state doesn’t offer aid, searching their site remains worthwhile as you may find contacts for other local resources.
Private Scholarships and Non-Profit Funding Sources
While government programs aim to serve all eligible applicants, private scholarships often have more limited scopes of support due to smaller funding pools. However, they remain important potential options. Consider the following organizations awarding disabled veterans scholarships:
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1472 Legacy Scholarship
VFW post-1472 in Tampa offers $2,000 per year renewable awards for both undergraduate and graduate study. Preference is given to members and descendants of members residing in certain Florida counties.
AMVETS National Scholarship Fund
Merit-based scholarships awarded each spring semester ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to AMVETS members, their children, grandchildren, and spouses. At least one $10,000 award is available specifically for a disabled veteran.
Military Order of the Purple Heart National Service Foundation
Numerous $1,000 scholarships are awarded annually to service members, veterans, and their descendants through locally-run chapters. Applicants must be endorsed by their local Purple Heart organization. Deadlines vary by location.
The Armed Forces Independence Fund
Multiple $1,000-$5,000 scholarships are awarded each year across six regions of the U.S. for both technical/vocational programs and college degrees. Open to all injured veterans with a VA disability rating.
Along with scholarships unique to particular veteran service organizations, non-profits like the Hero’s Ascent Project and the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust offer additional grants typically ranging from $1,000-$3,000. Consider exploring any groups relevant to your branch, medical condition, or local area.
So, in summary, never limit your options to just federal and state aid. Private scholarships remain worthwhile to pursue through organizations with unique eligibility criteria you may fit. Persistence often pays off as many receive few applications.
Crafting a Winning Scholarship Application
Now that the major disabled veterans scholarship sources are outlined, let’s cover strategies for submitting strong applications that separate you from other candidates:
Emphasize How Education Relates to Career Goals
Scholarship panels want to fund students likely able to utilize their award effectively. Connect how your intended program or degree supports future employment and how it may benefit society given the challenges faced. Back it up with resumes and personal insight.
Highlight Service Record and Disability Experience Positively
Share details respectfully showing perseverance in overcoming injury or illness. Name duties, accomplishments, and how they developed skills transferable to education or work. Keep the focus on ability rather than disability unless specifically asked otherwise.
Request Supporting Documentation from Medical Providers
Especially for organizations emphasizing medical conditions, attach a VA disability rating letter or doctor’s statement verifying diagnosis, treatment plan, and functional limitations from service-connected injuries. Requesters prefer objective validation.
Proofread Thoroughly and Allow Others to Review
Nothing undermines an application like sloppy writing containing errors. Ask professors, mentors, or professional writers whose opinions you respect to proof submissions. Their feedback may strengthen content and presentation.
Apply Early and Follow Up Respectfully if Necessary
Most deadlines fall during the late fall to early spring, so submit well before posted dates. It’s okay to politely inquire about the status of incomplete applications, but avoid being overbearing. Selective organizations receive high volumes.
The combination of sound essays, diligent preparation, and proving ability and merit makes any candidate competitive for funding. Following these steps maximizes the chance of winning disabled veterans scholarships.
Putting it All Together: A Sample Funding Plan
As you explore options, creating a funding plan helps organize sources of aid to cover estimated costs realistically over your period of planned education or training. Here is a sample plan for a disabled veteran attending a four-year public university:
First Year Plan
- Federal Vocational Rehabilitation funds (VR&E): $25,000
- State disabled veteran tuition waiver: $5,000
- Private scholarships awarded: $3,000
- Personal savings: $2,000
- Total funding for Year 1: $35,000
Second Year Plan
- Renew remaining Federal VR&E entitlement: $20,000
- State tuition waiver (year 2): $5,000
- Scholarship renewal from private org: $1,000
- Take out federal student loan: $5,000
- Work study on campus: $3,000
- Total funding for Year 2: $34,000
Third and Fourth Year Plans
Look for additional private scholarships during sophomore year to strengthen junior and senior year plans which may require some combination of:
- Scholarship renewals and applications
- Continued state tuition waiver
- Savings from work study and part-time job
- modest federal student loans
- Spouse or family contributions if possible
The goal is crafting a balanced, renewable plan to minimize debt. Adjust amounts based on your specific estimated costs, and benefits, and continually research new opportunities. Re-evaluate each year and be prepared to adjust strategies as needed. With planning and utilizing available aid, disabled veterans can access the education they earned.
