Best Scholarships for Older Veterans in 2025 – Top Funding Options After Service

Education Doesn’t Have an Expiration Date

Whether you’re 35 or 55, it’s never too late to go back to school. Many older veterans feel uncertain about returning to college or graduate school, but the good news is: there are scholarships specifically for you. These programs recognize the unique challenges and strengths that come with military service and life experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best scholarships for older veterans, how to apply, what you qualify for, and how to make your transition back to education as smooth—and affordable—as possible.

Let’s dive in.

Why Scholarships for Older Veterans Matter

The financial burdens of college, vocational training, or graduate school can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re also supporting a family or transitioning into civilian life. Older veterans often:

Miss out on traditional scholarships geared toward recent high school graduates
Need flexible or online options
Have rich life experience but gaps in formal education

That’s why veteran-specific scholarships—especially those for nontraditional students—are essential. They honor your service and help build your future.

Top 10 Scholarships for Older Veterans in 2025

Let’s break down the best veteran scholarships, with an emphasis on those that welcome older applicants, support family life, and offer flexibility.

Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship

Amount: Average award is $10,000/year

Eligibility: Veterans and active service members pursuing higher education

Highlights: Not age-restricted; prioritizes leadership and service

Deadline: February annually

Why it’s great for older veterans: The foundation values purpose and leadership over age or GPA. Ideal for career changers.

Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship

Amount: $1,000–$2,500

Eligibility: Women who served in the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, or National Guard

Highlights: Includes vocational, certificate, and graduate programs

Deadline: January–March

Why it’s great for older veterans: Tailored for women of all ages, especially those pursuing advanced education or career training.

VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship”

Amount: Up to $5,000

Eligibility: Veterans enrolled in post-secondary programs

Highlights: Can be used for part-time, full-time, and online study

Deadline: Spring and Fall cycles

Why it’s great for older veterans: Easy application, real impact. Many older vets have received this scholarship for career-focused education.

American Legion Auxiliary Non-Traditional Student Scholarship

Amount: $2,000

Eligibility: Veterans or family members who are returning students

Highlights: Designed specifically for nontraditional students

Deadline: March 1

Why it’s great: It exists because of older students. If you’re heading back to school later in life, you’re their ideal candidate.

AMVETS National Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $4,000

Eligibility: Veterans and active-duty military

Highlights: Supports undergraduate and certificate programs

Deadline: Annually in spring

Why it’s great: Open to veterans of any age, and one of the more inclusive and well-known veteran scholarships.

Folds of Honor Higher Education Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Eligibility: Spouses and children of fallen or disabled service members

Highlights: Great if you’re also supporting family education

Deadline: Spring

Why it’s great: Older veterans with family responsibilities can find relief knowing their kids or spouse are supported too.

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship

Amount: Full tuition + housing allowance + book stipend

Eligibility: Children and spouses of those who died in service

Highlights: Part of the GI Bill; incredibly comprehensive

Deadline: Rolling

Why it’s great: If you’re an older spouse or parent of a fallen hero, this provides unmatched support.

VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program

Amount: Covers tuition above the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap
Eligibility: Veterans eligible for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill
Highlights: Participating schools cover additional costs
Deadline: Depends on school enrollment

Why it’s great: Pairs with the GI Bill for elite universities and grad schools that cost more.

Troops to Teachers Program

Amount: Up to $10,000 in stipends and bonuses
Eligibility: Veterans pursuing a teaching license
Highlights: Supports career transition into education

Why it’s great: Perfect for older veterans seeking to inspire the next generation in the classroom.

National Military Family Association Scholarship

Amount: Up to $1,000 (renewable)

Eligibility: Military spouses

Highlights: Includes continuing education and career development

Deadline: Various rounds per year

Why it’s great: Ideal for older spouses who want to upgrade skills or re-enter the workforce.

How to Choose the Right Scholarship

Choosing the best scholarship is more than just picking the biggest dollar sign. Here are a few questions to guide your decision:

Do I meet the eligibility requirements (age, military status, education level)?
Can I use this scholarship for online or part-time study?
Does the scholarship support career changes or graduate school?
Will this scholarship work with my GI Bill benefits?
How competitive is the application? Can I realistically win?

How to Apply (And Win!)

Step 1: Organize Your Opportunities

Use a spreadsheet to track:

Deadlines
Eligibility
Required documents
Award amounts

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials

These typically include:

Proof of military service (DD-214)
College acceptance or enrollment verification
Transcripts (if applicable)
Personal statement or essay
Letters of recommendation

Step 3: Write a Powerful Personal Statement

This is your chance to shine. Focus on:

How military experience shaped your goals
Why education is important now
What impact you’ll make in your field

Step 4: Apply Early

Don’t wait until the last day. Submitting early shows preparedness and reduces errors.

Tips for Older Veterans Returning to School

Leverage your experience: Many schools award credit for military training or job experience.
Consider online or hybrid programs: These offer flexibility for working adults.
Join veteran student groups: Support from fellow vets makes a huge difference.
Explore VA education benefits: Combine scholarships with Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon funding.
Talk to your school’s veteran services office: They’re there to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I too old to qualify for scholarships?

Absolutely not! Many scholarships welcome nontraditional students, especially veterans.

Can I get scholarships if I’m already using the GI Bill?

Yes! Many scholarships supplement GI Bill benefits or cover additional costs.

What if I haven’t been in school for decades?

That’s okay. Many scholarship providers understand life gaps and value your service and story.

Are there scholarships for graduate school?

Yes! Many programs fund MBAs, MSWs, law degrees, PhDs, and more.

How competitive are these scholarships?

Some are highly competitive (like the Tillman), while others (like VFW’s Help a Hero) are very accessible.

Real Success Story: James, 47, Navy Veteran

“I thought I was too old to go back to school. But after 20 years in the Navy, I wanted to get my Master’s in Social Work. I applied for the Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship and got it. The support was more than financial—it gave me a community. Now I’m working with veteran mental health programs.”

Final Thoughts: You Served. Now It’s Time to Invest in You.

Going back to school as an older veteran might feel intimidating, but you’re not alone—and you’re not forgotten.

The best scholarship for you is the one that aligns with your goals, life stage, and education path. Whether you’re entering a trade, earning a bachelor’s, or chasing a doctorate, there are programs designed with you in mind.

Take the leap. Apply early. Tell your story.

Because your next mission might be your most meaningful yet.