Memorial Day is a time for remembering the brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in the U.S. military. It’s more than just a long weekend—it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and honor the sacrifices that made our freedoms possible.
If your parent gave the ultimate sacrifice with their life, you have my gratitude and the gratitude of all of us who enjoy freedom in this country. While nothing can replace your loved one, assistance and scholarships for survivors are available if you decide to attend college.
What is Survivors Educational Assistance?
If you are the child of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, you may be able to get help paying for school or job training through the DEA program—also called Chapter 35.
If you fall into this category, you can view all the eligibility requirements and the benefit information at the VA.gov website.
What scholarships are available for survivors of those who died serving?
If you’re a survivor of a military service member who died in the line of duty, there are several scholarships available to help you pursue higher education.
Federal Education Benefits
Fry Scholarship (Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship)
- Eligibility: Children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001.
- Benefits: Covers tuition, housing, books, and supplies.
- More Info: https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/education-and-careers/fry-scholarship/
National Scholarships
American Legion Legacy Scholarship
- Eligibility: Children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty or have a VA disability rating of 50% or higher.
- Award: $5,000–$20,000.
- Deadline: April 2025.
- More Info: https://www.legion.org/get-involved/scholarships/the-american-legion-legacy-scholarship
Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Children of service members who were killed or permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident.
- More Info: https://freedomalliance.org/military-support-programs/scholarship-fund/
Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship
- Eligibility: Dependent unmarried children under age 23 of service members who died or became disabled through active military service on or after September 11, 2001.
- More Info: https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/heroes-legacy-scholarship/
Special Operations Warrior Foundation
- Eligibility: Children of Special Operations personnel who died in the line of duty.
- Benefits: Provides full financial assistance for post-secondary education, including college, technical, or trade schools.
- More Info: https://specialops.org
Branch-Specific Scholarships
Army Scholarship Foundation
- Eligibility: Children or spouses of current or former Army members, including those who died while serving.
- Award: $500–$2,000.
- More Info: https://armyscholarshipfoundation.org/
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
- Eligibility: Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen.
- Benefits: Need-based scholarships for post-high school education.
- More Info: https://www.mcsf.org/
Navy League Foundation Scholarships
- Eligibility: Children and grandchildren of U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard personnel.
- Award: Varies; includes scholarships up to $20,000.
- More Info: https://www.navyleague.org/programs/navy-league-foundation-scholarships/
Additional Resources
Fisher House Foundation’s Scholarships for Military Children
- Eligibility: Unmarried military dependent children under age 23 with a valid Uniformed Services Identification (USID) card.
- More Info: https://www.fisherhouse.org/programs/scholarship-programs/scholarships-for-military-children/
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation
- Eligibility: Children of service members who died in the line of duty.
- Benefits: Provides scholarships and educational counseling.
- More Info: https://www.fallenpatriots.org/
These scholarships and programs are designed to honor the sacrifices of military families by providing educational support to survivors. Be sure to check each program’s specific eligibility requirements and application deadlines.