Military Scholarships & Grants

Veterans Engagement Services Scholarships (Internal)

The Veterans Engagement Services team is offering two (2) scholarships specifically designed with our MSU student veteran in mind. We understand that our student veterans are overwhelmed with the burden of taking out excessive loans or having heavy out-of-pocket expenses. These scholarships were created to help bridge that gap where possible based on the scholarship allotments and unmet student needs.

Eligibility Requirements, scholarship deadlines, as well as scholarship criteria information are shown below. These scholarships are available to students who are attending Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters during each academic school year. Eligible students MUST be using one or more of the following funding sources or hold the following military status. Active Duty Servicemembers, Reservists, Guard members, Retired Veterans, Spouses, Dependents, or a member of the ROTC Bear Battalion.

• Chapter 30: GI Montgomery Bill (AD)
• Chapter 1606: GI Montgomery Bill (SR)
• Chapter 33: Post 9/11 (Entitlement 50% - 90% ONLY)
• Chapter 35: Dependent Educational Assistance
• MD National Guard State Tuition Waiver
• Federal Tuition Assistance (All Branches)
• Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship (Books Only)
• Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship (Books Only)
• ROTC Bridge/ROTC Grant
• Exhausted or ineligible veteran, spouse, or dependent using Self-Pay (FAFSA)

The Veterans Engagement Services team offers Tuition Assistance Scholarships and Book Assistance scholarships in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms. These scholarships were designed to help bridge the gap between what the student is awarded and what the student needs to finalize the bill.  The scholarship award gap MUST be less than or equal to up to $500 in tuition costs or less than or equal to a gap of up to $400 in book costs. Eligible matriculating student veterans can take advantage of this funding opportunity by completing the Military Funding Request Form AND the required scholarship application by the designated due date.

Undergraduate student-veterans interested in applying for the VES Book Scholarships MUST participate in the First Day Complete Book Program in order to meet the eligibility requirements for book scholarship assistance. 

Master's and Ph.D. students do not participate in the First Day Complete Program and therefore are required to submit their paid invoices/receipts along with their class syllabus for the book reimbursement costs up to the allotted $400 based on scholarship funding availability. 

Beginning Fall 2024 the VES team will extend the scholarship opportunities by adding a VES Housing Scholarship which will assist up to six (6) student veterans with securing their eligibility for a payment plan or closing the gap to meet their 100% paid billing status up to $500 or less. The Housing scholarship awards will be issued in increments of up to $500 per student.  Student veterans MUST be approved for housing and be able to present their approved room assignments.  

For more information click the links below to view the additional eligibility requirements for applicable scholarship.

Tuition Assistance Eligibility               Book Scholarship Eligibility                Housing Scholarship Eligibility

NOTE:  All potential recipients of these scholarships MUST complete the mandatory Military Funding Request Form and be processed for the relevant semester in which they are applying.

Maryland Higher Education Military Scholarships

Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program & Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program offers scholarships to current high school seniors, full-time and part-time, degree-seeking undergraduates, and graduate students. This is a state scholarship and therefore can be combined with some of the Department of Veterans Affairs VA Educational Benefits. The student MUST be a Maryland Resident to apply for this scholarship. Other eligibility requirements can be found on our Office of Financial Aid's webpage provided. 

The Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program offers scholarships to personnel of the United States Armed Forces who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq Conflict, the sons, daughters, or spouses who are or may be current high school seniors, full-time or part-time and/or those who may be seeking and undergraduates degree and is enrolled in an accredited State of Maryland postsecondary institution. For other necessary documents and eligibility requirements go to the Office of Financial Aid's webpage.

Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honors Scholarship

The Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honors Scholarship program is a state scholarship offering financial assistance to students who have enrolled at specific State of Maryland institutions and are members of their Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Program. These students MUST be Maryland Residents. For the additional eligibility requirements, go to www.mhec.maryland.gov. 

ROTC Bridge Scholarship

The Bridge Grant is the institutional aid that the University allocates for ROTC Cadets in order to offset their room and board costs. To be eligible for the bridge grant Cadets must be in good standing with ROTC. They must have above a 2.0 GPA, a passing APFT, and at least a "B" in the military science program overall. Cadets must also have submitted a FAFSA application. Traditionally, Cadets with the assurance of good stewardship of university funding may be awarded based on need and availability. This funding will be used to offset the remaining balances and cover only the difference between the billing and their current award amounts. For additional information and eligibility requirements, go to the Department of Military Science personnel.