Major changes and improvements are coming to the 2024–25 FAFSA form. The redesigned and streamlined FAFSA form will be available by Dec. 31, 2023. Click here to find out what you need to know now to be ready when the FAFSA is available.

Scholarships

Assistance for higher education and professional certifications

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Mrs. Patty Shinseki Spouse Scholarship Program

Spouses without a four-year college degree who are pursuing their first undergraduate degrees or first technical certifications may receive assistance for up to four academic years of full-time study or eight academic years of part-time study as long as they meet all other requirements.

Spouses may apply year-round (no deadlines) and must re-apply every year.

For downloadable information about the scholarship program and a QR code, click here.

Apply

Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for Army Children

Children who meet eligibility criteria and are pursuing their first undergraduate degrees or first technical certifications may receive assistance for up to four academic years of full-time study.

Children must re-apply every year between Jan. 1 and April 1. The deadline for the 2023-2024 academic year was April 1, 2023.

For downloadable information about the scholarship program and a QR code, click here.

Apply

Pentagon Victims Scholarship Program

The application process starts with the program first contacting those eligible. After a short application is completed, the fund can be processed. There is no timeline or deadline for the completion and all recipients are walked through the process.

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Kyle Mckee

AER Scholarship Recipient

“Receiving the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship from Army Emergency Relief has not only motivated me to strive for excellence in my studies but has also given me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I assure you that I will make the most of this opportunity and strive to make a positive impact in my chosen field and in the community as a whole. In the future, I hope to pay forward this kindness and support by assisting aspiring students, just as you have done for me.”

—Kyle, business student at Campbell University

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2022 Year in Review Scholarships

Scholarships by the Numbers

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible for AER scholarships?

    Spouses and children of Soldiers in the following statuses are eligible to apply for our scholarship programs: 

    • Active duty
    • Deceased active
    • Retired
    • Deceased retired
    • Medically retired
    • Grey Area Retiree
    • Active Guard Reserve and United States Army Reserve on Title 10 Orders for the entire academic year for which they are applying

    Applicants must be listed as dependents of their Soldier Sponsor in DEERS. 

    Applicants for the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Children’s Scholarship Program must be under the age of 24. 

    Recipients must be pursuing their first undergraduate degree (exceptions may be made for spouse scholarship applicants) at a college or university listed in the U.S. Department of Education’s accreditation database. Trade schools are acceptable as well. Visit the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to determine if your school is eligible. 

  • Are scholarship awards the same every year?

    Scholarship awards vary each year based on the total number of applicants in each program and budget amount allotted to the scholarship program.

  • How are scholarship funds distributed?

    If you are awarded a scholarship, the scholarship funds are mailed directly to the school indicated on your scholarship agreement prior to each term for which you have been awarded. The funds may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies. For recipients of the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Dependent Children’s Scholarship program, funds may also be used for room and board expenses.

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