Scholarships: Paying for Your MBA
MBAs can often be surprisingly affordable for military veterans through a combination of VA benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill but also with the support of scholarships and financial aid. Many military applicants to business school are not aware that you can earn a school-specific scholarship in addition to your GI Bill benefits.
For those pursuing an MBA without sponsorship or complete coverage from GI Bill benefits, learning more about the Veteran Readiness and Employment program is highly recommended. In addition, understanding your competitiveness factor at any individual program can be an important strategic consideration. In other words, by applying to programs where you are an above average applicant you increase the likelihood of earning scholarships. Similarly, for those with their sights set exclusively on Harvard/Stanford/Wharton, being open to considering other programs within the Top 20 can be an important financial factor. These are some of the important considerations we can help you navigate!
Veterans Affairs Benefits
Post 9/11 Yellow Ribbon Program
Schools participating in the yellow ribbon program agree to make additional funds available to service members with no additional charge to GI Bill benefits. Participating schools and programs can be located using the link above.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (formerly known as Voc Rehab) This program is not as well known as the GI Bill but can be a good alternative or supplement for applicants to research. For veterans with a VA disability rating, this program covers BAH, tuition and books (and is unrelated or linked to your GI Bill benefits). There is an application process which you can read more about at the link and you will want to consider the support of a VSO as part of the application process.
General Scholarship Programs for Military MBAs
Military MBA offers 4, $5,000 scholarships annually. The application deadline is March 31 of each year.
Pat Tillman Foundation Military Scholars Program
Luna Cap Foundation MBA Scholarships
Check website for scholarships which are updated annually and typically have spring deadlines. Scholarships are typically eligible for graduate degree studies.
Fleet Reserve Association Scholarships for Navy, Marines, Coast Guard
Glen Doherty Memorial Foundation
State Specific Veterans Scholarships
In Texas, the Hazelwood Act provides tuition exemption for up to 150 hours for veterans at state higher education institutions.
California Veterans Benefits in Education
New York State Veterans Tuition Awards
MBA Program Veterans Scholarships
NYU Stern Fertitta Veterans Scholarship
UVA Darden Military Scholarships
Cornell Johnson School of Business Nolan Veteran Scholarship