What Is the Pat Tillman Scholar program?
The Pat Tillman Scholar Program provides educational scholarships and leadership development for active-duty service members, veterans, and spouses. This program covers tuition, books, and living expenses for full-time students.
Tillman Scholars also join a community of peers, mentors, and industry leaders. They receive lifelong leadership development, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The scholarship honors Pat Tillman’s legacy of service beyond self. Pat left his NFL career to serve in the Army Rangers and died in Afghanistan in 2004.
How the Pat Tillman Scholarship Works
The Pat Tillman Foundation selects up to 60 Tillman Scholars each year. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and living expenses.
Selected scholars join a global network of nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars. They receive ongoing mentorship, career guidance, and access to premier events.
How We Choose Tillman Scholars
- Service: Serves beyond self in and out of uniform
- Scholarship: Pursues lifelong learning and intellectual growth
- Humble Leadership: Leads by example with selfless commitment
- Impact: Unites others and advances ideas that change the world
Tillman Scholars use their education to strengthen communities and solve critical challenges worldwide. Graduates include astronauts, physicians, nonprofit founders, educators, and national security experts.
Who Is Eligible for the Tillman Scholarship?
The Pat Tillman Scholarship is open to U.S. service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Eligible Military Members:
- Service members from all U.S. Armed Forces branches
- Veterans who served in pre- and post-9/11 eras
- Military spouses of active duty or veteran service members
- Surviving spouses of military service members
You must study full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university. The degree can be a bachelor’s, master’s, or professional program.
PhD applicants must be entering at least Year 2 of their program during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Your application includes essays, military papers, financial information, and one character reference.
How to Apply for the Tillman Scholarship
Applications open December 1 each year for the upcoming academic year. The application process requires essays, documents, and financial information.
Follow These Steps to Complete Your Application:
- Join the mailing list to receive updates and application deadlines
- Complete federal aid forms and gather financial documents
- Write two (2) 500-word essay responses and a 250-word biography
- Submit military service documentation and character recommendation
- Complete your full application before the deadline
Thousands of applicants apply each year. We select only up to 60 new scholars based on merit and leadership potential.
Pay close attention to details when preparing your application. Start early to meet all requirements and deadlines.
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Benefits of Being a Tillman Scholar
The Tillman Scholarship offers more than tuition coverage. Scholars receive funding, career training, and access to leadership events.
Scholarship Benefits Include:
- Funding for tuition, books, and living expenses
- Access to events like SXSW, Pat’s Run, and Aspen Ideas Festival
- $1,000 mini-grants for certifications and training
- Invitations to the Pat Tillman Leadership Summit in Chicago
- Ongoing support from peers, mentors, and industry leaders
- Recognition through the Tillman Foundation’s website and social media
Tillman Scholars also join a global community of leaders. This network provides lifelong connections, mentorship, and development opportunities.
Tillman Scholar Program Results
The Pat Tillman Foundation supports nearly 1,000 Tillman Scholars across 160+ universities nationwide. These scholars maintain a 3.6 average GPA and achieve a 98% graduation rate.
The foundation has invested over $40 million in academic scholarships since 2009. This investment removes financial barriers for military families pursuing education.
Tillman Scholars
Average GPA
Universities
%
Graduation Rate
Meet Pat Tillman Scholarship Recipients
Tillman Scholars serve in healthcare, education, public service, and other fields. Each scholar applies their unique background and leadership skills to make an impact.
Emerald Arnold
Navy | Northern Arizona University
Emerald helps Indigenous people and veterans access addiction treatment services. She works as a Student Coordinator while studying for her Master’s degree.
Daniel Gessen
Army | Columbia University
Daniel serves as Deputy Speaker of the Barnstable County Assembly. He works on housing affordability, environmental protection, and infrastructure policy.
Elizabeth Brees
Military Spouse | University of California
Elizabeth studies medicine in the Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program. She plans to become a pediatric surgeon and advance military medical care.
Tillman Scholars Study at These Universities
Over 160 universities nationwide support Tillman Scholars on their campuses.
Tillman Scholar Application FAQs
How Much Is the Pat Tillman Scholarship?
The average Pat Tillman Scholarship amount is $10,000 per academic year. Each scholar receives a different amount based on financial need and educational expenses.
What Is the Tillman Scholarship Deadline?
The Tillman Scholarship application deadline varies each year. The application window can range from November to February.
Join our scholar mailing list for updates about applications.
Do I Need to Be a Full-Time Student to Apply?
Yes. You must enroll full-time in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program.
Can I Apply if I Haven't Enrolled Yet?
Yes. You can apply for the Tillman Scholarship if you plan to enroll in an eligible program. You must show proof of admission by the upcoming fall term to remain eligible.
Is There a Minimum GPA to Apply?
No. There is no minimum GPA to apply. You must maintain a 3.0 GPA to renew the scholarship each year.
What Does the Tillman Scholarship Cover?
The Tillman Scholarship pays tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. Funds cannot pay for investments, vacation travel, business expenses, or personal entertainment.
Do I Need a Letter of Recommendation to Apply?
No. You do not need a letter of recommendation. The application requires one character recommendation submitted through the online portal.
What Documents Do I Need to Apply?
You must submit these materials to apply:
- Current resume
- Military service documentation
- Four 200-word essays
- One 250-word biography
- Character recommendation from a third party
- Completed FAFSA and financial worksheet
- Two photos from military service
- Permission for background check
What Happens After I Submit My Application?
You receive a confirmation email upon submission. The foundation reviews thousands of applications and selects 60 scholars each year. Finalists take part in interviews before the final selection.
Can I Apply Again if I'm Not Selected?
Yes. You can reapply when the next application opens. Many Tillman Scholars applied several times before receiving their scholarships.