The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Undergraduate & Associate Degree Program awards need-based scholarships to children of US Marines, Navy Corpsmen, Chaplains, and Religious Programs Specialists. Students pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply.
About the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) is renewable for a maximum of four years. Applicants must present a Statement of Service or a DD-214, the college must be listed on the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator, have a gross income of less than $103,000, and complete the application each year.
Eligibility Requirements
Child or stepchild of any of the following:
- Active duty, reserve, or veteran* United States Marines
- A Marine slain while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, an active duty, reserve, or veteran U.S. Navy Corpsman, Chaplain, or Religious Program Specialist who is or was assigned to a U.S. Marine Corps unit, or was killed while serving with a U.S. Marine Corps unit
- Minimum of 2.00 GPA
- Show financial necessity with a family adjusted gross income of $129,000 or less for the 2025 tax year.
- Attending or preparing to attend a recognized school that qualifies for government financing
- Submit a full application with all necessary documentation by the deadline.
- Veterans must have an honorable discharge.
Disqualifications
- The military parent or veteran has not received an honorable discharge.
- The applicant already has or will have an undergraduate degree by August 1, 2026.
- The applicant and/or awarded scholar is attending a Federal Service Academy or a school not listed on College Navigator or not eligible for federal support.
- Applicants whose military stepfather is no longer married to their biological parent.
- Applicants who will not possess a high school certificate by August 1, 2026
Note: dual enrollment or early access programs are not supported.
HEROES TRIBUTE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN OF THE FALLEN
The Scholarship Foundation guarantees scholarships worth $30,000 over four years ($7,500 per year) to eligible offspring of the following:
- Children of Marines and veteran Marines whose parents died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001
- Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen assigned to a Marine unit whose father died during a Department of Defense operation, training exercise, or domestic terrorist incident on or after September 11, 2001
- Children of Navy Religious Program Specialists assigned to a Marine unit who were killed in battle on or after September 27, 2008.
- Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen attached to a Marine unit whose father died by suicide as a result of combat-related PTSD. Applicants to the Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program for Children of the Fallen must meet the stated eligibility standards, except income eligibility.
Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program for Children of the Wounded
The Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships worth $6,000 to $40,000 over four years ($1,500 – $10,000) to qualified children of the following:
- Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen linked to a Marine unit who were injured in battle in any war or conflict
- Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen connected to a Marine unit who were permanently retired from the Marine Corps or Navy due to a service-related injury
- Children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen assigned to a Marine unit whose dad is now ill or injured and serves with the Wounded Warrior Regiment or Battalion.
Application Process
Applicants must submit materials through the Foundation’s portal. Full application details including required documents are accessible upon registering with the Foundation or linking through a partner site like IEFA.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Application Period: Opens January 1, closes March 1 each year.
Conclusion
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s Undergraduate and Associate Degree Program provides a consistent and generous opportunity for children of United States Marines and related Navy personnel to pursue higher education.
With no competition among qualifiers and incentives of up to $10,000, it’s a wonderful opportunity for military families looking for academic development.
