Military Spouse Scholarships 2026: Grants & Training
Education funding for military spouses exists in more places than most people realize. Between federal programs, nonprofit scholarships, state tuition waivers, and corporate training benefits, there are real dollars available to cover certifications, degree programs, and professional development. The problem is not a lack of money. The problem is that these programs are scattered across dozens of websites, each with different eligibility rules and deadlines.
After helping 15,000+ veterans and military spouses through BMR, we consistently see that spouses who invest in portable credentials earn more and stay employed through PCS moves. The remote jobs that survive every military move almost always require a certification or specialized training. This guide puts the real funding sources in one place so you can find the money, apply, and start building a career that moves with you.
Every program listed here is real, verified, and currently accepting applications or will open in 2026. We did not include anything that has been discontinued or that we could not confirm through an official source.
What Federal Programs Fund Military Spouse Education?
The federal government offers two primary pathways for military spouse education funding. These are the largest, most accessible programs, and they should be your first stop before looking at private scholarships.
MyCAA (My Career Advancement Account)
MyCAA provides up to $4,000 in financial assistance for military spouses pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees in portable career fields. The program is administered by the Department of Defense through the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) program.
Eligibility is limited to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2. The service member must have at least one year remaining on their current orders. The $4,000 cap applies to the lifetime of the benefit, not per year, so plan your spending carefully and choose programs that fit within that budget.
MyCAA Strategy Tip
The $4,000 is a lifetime cap, not annual. Pick a certification that fits within the budget and leads directly to employment. CompTIA Security+, PMP prep courses, medical coding programs, and bookkeeping certifications all typically fall under $4,000 and lead to remote-friendly careers.
MyCAA covers tuition and fees at approved schools and training providers. It does not cover books, supplies, or living expenses. To apply, create an account at MySECO.militaryonesource.mil and work with a SECO career counselor who will help you select an approved program and submit your funding request.
GI Bill Transfer Benefits
If the service member has transferred GI Bill benefits to their spouse, this covers tuition, fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend. The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most generous education benefit available to military families. However, the service member must elect to transfer benefits while still serving, and there are time-in-service requirements. If your spouse has already transferred benefits to you, this can cover full degree programs that MyCAA cannot touch.
Which National Scholarships Are Available for Military Spouses?
Beyond federal programs, several national nonprofits offer scholarships specifically for military spouses. These are competitive but real. Application cycles vary, so check each organization's website for current deadlines.
National Military Family Association (NMFA) Scholarships
NMFA offers the Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship, which provides up to $1,000 for education, professional development, or career training. The scholarship is open to spouses of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members in all branches. NMFA has awarded these scholarships for over 15 years and funds hundreds of recipients each cycle. Applications typically open in January and close in April.
What makes NMFA scholarships practical is the flexibility. The funds can go toward degree programs, certifications, licensing fees, or continuing education. If you need a specific certification for your career field and MyCAA does not cover it (because of rank restrictions), NMFA is worth pursuing.
Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Spouses
The Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Spouses program awards scholarships to spouses of active duty, retired, and Reserve service members. Awards have historically ranged from $1,000 to $5,000. The program is administered through the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), and applications are available at fisherhouse.org. The application window typically opens in the fall for the following academic year.
National Military Spouse Scholarships
NMFA Joanne Holbrook Patton Scholarship
Up to $1,000 for education or professional development. Open to all branches. Applications typically January-April.
Fisher House Foundation Scholarship
$1,000-$5,000 for spouses of active duty, retired, and Reserve members. Applications through DeCA, typically open in fall.
Tillman Foundation Scholarship
For veterans, active duty, and spouses pursuing higher education. Covers tuition, living expenses, and books. Highly competitive.
Blue Star Families Scholarships
Various scholarship opportunities for military spouses and children. Check bluestarfam.org for current programs and deadlines.
Tillman Foundation Scholarships
The Pat Tillman Foundation offers scholarships to military veterans, active duty service members, and their spouses who are pursuing higher education. Tillman Scholars receive funding that covers tuition, living expenses, and books. The program is highly competitive with a rigorous application process, but awards are generous and come with a network of fellow scholars and mentors. Applications typically open in early spring.
Blue Star Families
Blue Star Families offers various scholarship and grant programs for military spouses and children. Their programs change from year to year, so check bluestarfam.org directly for current offerings. Past programs have included career development grants, emergency financial assistance, and education scholarships partnered with corporate sponsors.
Are There Branch-Specific Scholarships for Military Spouses?
Each military branch has associated organizations that offer education assistance specifically for their community. These are often less competitive than national scholarships because the applicant pool is smaller.
Army Spouse Club scholarships operate at installation level. Each Army installation has a spouse club that fundraises and awards scholarships to local Army spouses. Awards vary by installation but typically range from $500 to $2,500. Contact the Army Community Service office at your installation or search for your base's spouse club online. These local scholarships have smaller applicant pools, which means better odds.
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides education assistance through interest-free loans and grants for spouses of Navy and Marine Corps service members. Their programs cover tuition, fees, and required textbooks. NMCRS operates offices on most Navy and Marine Corps installations. The application process is straightforward and decisions are typically fast because it is handled at the local level.
- •Installation Spouse Club scholarships ($500-$2,500)
- •Army Emergency Relief education grants
- •Army Community Service career programs
- •AFTB (Army Family Team Building) training
- •NMCRS education loans and grants
- •Navy Spouse Club scholarships at each base
- •Fleet and Family Support Center career services
- •Marine Corps Family Member Programs
Air Force Aid Society and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance also offer education assistance programs for their respective communities. The application process and amounts vary, but the pattern is the same: visit the family support center on your installation, ask about education assistance, and apply early. These programs often have rolling deadlines or limited funding pools that close once the money runs out.
Do States Offer Tuition Breaks for Military Spouses?
Yes, and this is one of the most valuable benefits that many spouses overlook. Numerous states offer in-state tuition rates for military spouses regardless of how long you have lived in the state. When you PCS to a new state, you could immediately qualify for in-state rates at public colleges and universities, saving thousands of dollars per semester compared to out-of-state tuition.
The rules vary by state. Some states grant automatic in-state tuition to all military-connected students and spouses. Others require the service member to be stationed in the state on active duty orders. A few extend the benefit for a period after the service member separates or retires. Contact the admissions office at your target school and specifically ask about military spouse tuition classification. Do not assume you will be charged out-of-state rates just because you recently moved.
Key Takeaway
Always ask about military spouse in-state tuition classification when enrolling at a new school after PCS. Many states grant it automatically, and the savings can amount to $10,000 or more per year at public universities compared to out-of-state rates.
The Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students (HEROES) Act gives the Department of Education authority to waive or modify student financial assistance provisions for military members and their families during national emergencies. Additionally, the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 requires VA-approved schools to charge in-state tuition to individuals using GI Bill benefits, which includes spouses with transferred benefits. Check with your school's veteran services office for details specific to your situation.
Which Companies Offer Education Benefits for Military Spouse Employees?
Several large employers have education assistance programs that are particularly relevant if you are already working for them or considering applying. These corporate programs can stack with federal benefits, giving you multiple funding sources for the same educational goal.
Amazon's Career Choice program pays up to 95% of tuition, GED programs, and English language proficiency certifications for hourly employees. Amazon has also committed to hiring military spouses and has fulfillment centers near many military installations. If you work at Amazon, this benefit is available after 90 days of employment.
Starbucks offers the Starbucks College Achievement Plan in partnership with Arizona State University, covering full tuition for an online bachelor's degree. All benefits-eligible employees (working 20+ hours per week) qualify. Starbucks has been recognized as a military spouse-friendly employer and has locations near virtually every military installation in the country.
Home Depot, Walmart, and other major retailers offer tuition assistance programs for employees pursuing degrees or certifications. The coverage amounts and program details change, so check with HR at your specific employer. The point is that employer-funded education is more common than most people think, and combining it with MyCAA or a scholarship can eliminate your out-of-pocket costs entirely.
"I built BMR because I spent 18 months applying to jobs after separating with zero callbacks. That experience taught me the resume is everything. For military spouses, the resume challenge is even harder because you are rebuilding it every two to four years. Investing in a portable credential changes that equation permanently."
How Do You Find and Apply for Military Spouse Scholarships?
Start with the free resources designed to help you search. FINRED.mil (the DOD Office of Financial Readiness) maintains a scholarship search tool specifically for military families. Your installation education center has counselors who track local and national scholarship opportunities. And SECO career counselors at Military OneSource can walk you through available funding for specific career paths.
When applying, emphasize the unique challenges of being a military spouse. Scholarship committees want to fund people who will use the money effectively. Mention PCS frequency and how it has affected your education or career continuity. Explain specifically what you plan to study and how it connects to employment. Be concrete: "I will use this funding to earn my PMP certification, which qualifies me for remote project management roles that I can maintain through future PCS moves" is stronger than "I want to advance my career."
Apply to multiple scholarships simultaneously. The amounts may be smaller individually, but they stack. A $1,000 NMFA scholarship plus a $500 installation spouse club award plus MyCAA funding can cover an entire certification program without any out-of-pocket cost. Do not overlook the smaller scholarships because of the dollar amount. The application effort is often minimal and the competition is lighter.
Document your military spouse status early in the process. Gather a copy of your spouse's orders, your military ID, and any marriage documentation. Most applications require proof of military affiliation, and having these documents ready saves time when deadlines are tight. Keep a folder (digital or physical) with these documents so you can grab them for any application without scrambling.
Finally, build your military spouse resume alongside your education plan. Every certification you earn, every course you complete, and every skill you develop should go on your resume immediately. Education without a resume strategy is just a credential sitting on a shelf. Pair the two together and you have a career transition plan that actually works.
Related: How to write a military spouse resume that gets hired and every military spouse employment program in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhat is MyCAA and who qualifies?
QCan military spouses get in-state tuition in a new state after PCS?
QWhat is the NMFA Joanne Holbrook Patton Scholarship?
QCan I combine multiple military spouse scholarships?
QDoes the GI Bill cover military spouse education?
QWhere can I search for military spouse scholarships?
QDo employers offer education benefits for military spouses?
QWhat documents do I need for military spouse scholarship applications?
About the Author
Brad Tachi is the CEO and founder of Best Military Resume and a 2025 Military Friendly Vetrepreneur of the Year award recipient for overseas excellence. A former U.S. Navy Diver with over 20 years of combined military, private sector, and federal government experience, Brad brings unparalleled expertise to help veterans and military service members successfully transition to rewarding civilian careers. Having personally navigated the military-to-civilian transition, Brad deeply understands the challenges veterans face and specializes in translating military experience into compelling resumes that capture the attention of civilian employers. Through Best Military Resume, Brad has helped thousands of service members land their dream jobs by providing expert resume writing, career coaching, and job search strategies tailored specifically for the veteran community.
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