The Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) has scholarship and interest-free loan programs for children of military families. The requirements and guidelines are slightly different for the scholarship and loan programs. The most important thing to note is that you do not have to be a MOAA member, or eligible for MOAA membership, to qualify for the loan program. Both the scholarships and loans are for full-time undergraduate study (first undergraduate degree only) and must be used at an accredited college or university.
The MOAA Student Loan program is open to the children of current, former and retired officers and also to the children of current or retired enlisted personnel. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Selection is based on scholastic ability, activities, and financial need. Students must be under age 24 (extended to 29 for students who have served on active duty). The loans are interest-free and in the amount of $5,500, renewable for a total of five years of undergraduate study. Applications must be submitted by noon EST on 1 March for the following school year. The Student Loan Program is MOAA's primary educational assistance program. For more information, see the MOAA Student Loan Program webpage.
In addition to their loan program, MOAA offers scholarships to children of military members who died while serving in active service, whether through the regular active duty corps, the Reserves, or the Guard. The American Patriot Scholarships are available to students under age 24 (up to 29 if the student has spent time on active duty). Selection will be made on the basis of scholastic ability, activities, and financial need. The number and value of the scholarships depends on the amount of donations received by the scholarship funds but will be at least $2,500 per scholarship. For more information, please see the MOAA Scholarship and Grants webpage.
I love the interest-free loan option for financial assistance - this allows MOAA to help more students while still providing valuable assistance for students struggling to pay for college.
