Veteran Waivers and Scholarships
Montana National Guard Tuition Waiver
Beginning in the fall semester of 2020, a student who is a member of the Montana National Guard is eligible for a tuition waiver, provided the student:
- Is a bona fide member of the Montana National Guard at the start of the semester for which the student is enrolling;
- Has been certified as a Montana National Guard member in good standing by the Adjutant General;
- Does not hold a baccalaureate degree or higher; and
- Meets all admission requirements of the institution.
Waivers for students who meet the criteria above will be applied as last dollar awards, up to the total annual cost of in-state tuition only. Thus, individual tuition waiver amounts will vary, depending on the amount of federal grants and scholarships received by the student. Montana National Guard members who do not meet the residency requirements provided in BOR Policy 940.1 but meet the criteria above, are eligible for in-state tuition status for purposes of applying the tuition waiver under this policy.
Honorably Discharged Veteran Waiver
To be eligible, the student must have been honorably discharged from the service and have served with the United State Armed forces in any of its wars. The person must also be a resident of the state of Montana and seeking their initial certificate, associates, or bachelorette degree. Additionally, the Veteran must have been eligible for GI Bill benefits at one time, however those benefits have now run out or expired.
War Orphans Waiver
A waiver is available, upon approval of the Commissioner of Higher Education, for children aged 25 or less, whose parent(s) served on active duty during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Iraq or Afghanistan conflicts. Such members of the armed forces must have been Montana residents at the time of entry into service, and must have been killed in action or died as a result of combat related injury, disease, or other disability.
Veteran Spouse and Dependent Scholarships
Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA- Chapter 35 GI Bill®)
(36 months of housing stipend) Spouse or Child of a service member who died in the line of duty, was a POW, or is rated permanently and totally disabled due to service-connected disability.
VA Education Benefits for Survivors and Dependents | Veterans Affairs
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)
(36 months of education benefits, housing, and book stipend) Child or Spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
VA Education Benefits for Survivors and Dependents | Veterans Affairs
Veterans of Foreign Wars Scholorship (Up to $5,000)
Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve, seperated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below.
American Legion Scholarship (Children of Post 9/11 veterans)
Awarded to children of Post 9/11 veterans that either died while on active duty or have a combined VA rating of 50 percent or greater.
Legacy Scholarship | The American Legion
AMVETS Scholarship
Mutiple Options. Check out the site to see if you're eligible!
AMVETS Scholarships - AMVETS National Headquarters
Paralyzed Veterans of America Scholarship ($1000-$2,500)
Awarded to members, and spouses or dependant of a PVA member.
National Military Family Association Spouse Scholarships ($500-$1000)
Any spouse eligible to hold a military ID. (active or retired service member)
NMFA Military Spouse Scholarships - National Military Family Association
ThanksUSA Scholarship Program ($3,000)
Spouses and college-aged children of service members and Veterans. Spouses- First-time undergraduate degree or certificate. Graduate degrees are not covered.
Hope for the Warriors Spouse and Caregiver Scholarship (multiple options)
Spouse of a 100% P&T rating, including individual unemployability.
Military Spouse Scholarships | Hope for the Warriors
Additional scholarship and financial aid opportunities
Financial Aid | Salute to Spouses
Military Spouse Education | Scholarships, Assistance Programs | Military OneSource
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is avaialble at the official U.S. goverment website at GI Bill | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)