Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for Dependent Children
A Life of Service
Maj. Gen. James Joseph Ursano retired from active duty on July 1, 1976, after 33 years of service. His final assignment was Director of Management, Office of the Chief of Staff, Department of the Army. He was named AER Director on July 1, 1976, a position he held for 10 years.
Ursano passed away in 1996. The AER Scholarship for Dependent Children was renamed the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program in honor of his distinguished life of service to Soldiers and Families.
2024-2025 Academic Year
Scholarship Details
The Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for Dependent Children is based on applicants’ financial needs and was established to assist children of Soldiers in obtaining their first undergraduate degrees. Applicants may receive assistance for up to four academic years of full-time study but must meet eligibility criteria and reapply each year.
Award amounts vary each year based on the:
- Number of applicants
- Total approved scholarship budget
- Applicant’s Student Aid Index (per Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Average cost of attendance to attend a college or university in the United States (per College Board)
UPDATE: The 2024-2025 application cycle runs from Feb. 1 through May 15, 2024.
Review Documents and Apply
All applicants must read the corresponding Program Guidelines and FAFSA instructions, found in the links below. A link to submit applications is in the Program Guidelines.
Due to ongoing FAFSA delays, the deadline for the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for Dependent Children has been extended from April 1 to May 15.
2024-2025 Program Guidelines
2024-2025 FAFSA Instructions
Download the Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship Program for Dependent Children rack card.
Other Education and Scholarship Resources for Army spouses and children.
(AER is not affiliated with and does not endorse any of the websites listed.)
“My dad served our country for 23 years as a Religious Affairs Specialist. During his time, he constantly gave back to Soldiers and their Families. I hope to follow in his footsteps in giving back to the community through social action programs. I understand the AER motto is ‘Helping the Army Take Care of its Own’ and my goal is to give back to society as much as I can by achieving a higher education.”
—Darrien, AER scholarship recipient