Transitioning out of active military duty can be a huge adjustment, and the path to civilian life can include many financial hardships. Whether you’re an active duty soldier in the military, a veteran of our armed forces, or the spouse or dependent of either, Grand Valley wants to help you overcome financial hurdles. With that in mind, we gathered the following resources.

Financial Aid

You should become familiar with all of your financial aid options. To determine eligibility for federal grants (Pell Grant), loans, and work study, be sure to complete your Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). If awarded, the Pell Grant funds will be added to your GI Bill® and scholarships providing additional dollars to your account. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information or call (616) 331-3234 for assistance. 

GVSU Scholarships for Veterans and their families

M. Frederick Singer and Frederick S. Singer Memorial Veterans Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to assist veterans with the costs of completing a degree at Grand Valley State University.

WGVU LZ Michigan Scholarship Endowment*
This scholarship was made available by WGVU Public Media to support Veterans and/or Veterans Dependents.

Lt. William Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship Endowment
This scholarship provides financial aid for Grand Valley students who serve in any branch of the U.S. armed forces, active or reserve, and for anyone who is an honorably discharged veteran.

GVSU Folds of Honor Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for students who have an immediate family member (spouse or parent) who has been killed in the line of duty while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Mark '73 and Kris Kelley Military Veteran Scholarship
The purpose of this scholarship is to help GVSU students who are military veterans.

Michigan Military-Connected Scholarships

West Michigan Veterans Coalition Armed Forces Scholarship 
 Ten $1000 scholarships. 

West Michigan Veterans Coalition Armed Forces Dependent Scholarship* 
$500 is available to Spouses and Dependent Children (up to age 26).

National Guard Association of Michigan (NGAM) Veteran Support Grant (VSG)  
The use of a National Guard Association of Michigan (NGAM) Veteran Support Grant (VSG) is intended to assist veterans in need.

Folds of Honor (foldsofhonor.org) Scholarship* 
This scholarship is intended for students who have an immediate family member (spouse or parent) who has been killed in the line of duty while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Guy M. Wilson/William D. & Jewell Brewer Scholarships – Children of Veterans*
One-time award of $500 each for undergraduate use at a Michigan college. (Applications open in October)

Scholarships for Service
Guide to military-connected scholarships (Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs)
 

National Veterans and Dependents Scholarships

• AFCEA Scholarships
• Afghanistan and Iraq War Veteran Scholarship 
• Allied Van Lines
• AMVETS Scholarship 
• Army Nurse Corps Association Scholarships
• Army Woman's Foundations Legacy Scholarship 
• AVECO Veteran Award, Spouse Award*
• Captain James Ahn Special Forces Memorial Scholarship
• Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation 
• Coast Guard Foundation Scholarships 
• Fisher House Scholarship for Military Children* 
• Folds of Honor Scholarship 
• Fleet Reserve Association (FRA) Education Foundation 
• Google SVA Scholarship 
• Hero's Legacy Scholarship* 
• Hill and Ponton Disability Attorneys Scholarship
• Leave No Veteran Behind: Retroactive Scholarship 
• Legion Scholarships
• Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation 
• Army Emergency Relief scholarships*
• Military MBA Scholarship
• National Guard Association of Michigan (NGAM) Scholarships
• National Military Family Association*
• Navy: Anchor Scholarship 
• Navy: Dolphin Scholarship 
• Navy: Wings over America Scholarship 
• North American Van Lines Military Logistics Scholarship
• Pat Tillman Military Scholarship 
• PNC-SVA Serving with Integrity Scholarship 
• Raytheon Missiles & Defense Patriot Scholarship
• Raytheon Technologies SPY-6 Scholarship
• Comcast NBCUniversal-SVA Scholarship
• Veterans United Foundation Scholarship 
• VFW National Scholarships 
• West Michigan Nursing Advisory Committee's Nursing Scholarship

Veteran-Specific Scholarships

The Deana and Paul Strunk Military Veterans Scholarship Program
Scholarships ranging from $2,500-$5,000. (Deadline: May 15)

Veterans & Military Family Scholarship*
Amount: $1,000 (Deadline: June 15)

TonaLaw Veteran’s Scholarship
$1,000 scholarship twice a year. Essay submission required. (Deadline: June 15)

Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships up to $50,000. Need-based and essay is required to apply. (Deadline: September 30)
 

(NOTE: * indicates the scholarship is open to dependents)

What is myScholarships?
myScholarships is a free, online scholarship application system that allows GVSU students to apply to 400+ endowed and departmental scholarships and is accessed on the GVSU scholarships webpage. 

When should I begin searching for scholarships?
October 1 is generally a good time to begin exploring scholarships for the following academic year. This is also when myScholarships opens each year.

How do I know if an Outside Scholarship is legitimate?
Organizations offering scholarships should not ask you for personal information, such as your social security number or banking information. Do not apply if there are any fees connected to the application.

When is the deadline to apply for scholarships?
Most scholarships in GVSU’s myScholarships have an annual deadline of March 1; however, Non-GVSU Scholarships vary and will be listed along with other requirements.

What are External/Outside Scholarships?
External/Outside Scholarships are scholarships that have no affiliation to GVSU and can be accessed on the GVSU Scholarships webpage.

How do I know if I qualify for a particular scholarship?
All scholarships should have an “eligibility requirements” section that outlines the qualifications for prospective applicants. Make sure that you meet all of the eligibility requirements before applying.

How many scholarships can I apply for?
There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which you can apply to increase your chances to receive funding.

If I am a scholarship recipient at GVSU, how will this be applied to my GVSU bill?
Awards through myScholarships and External/Outside Scholarships will be split between both fall and winter semesters - unless otherwise stated in the scholarship guidelines.