Who is Eligible?
The Tillman Scholar program is open to applicants who meet the following criteria:
- Veteran and active duty military service members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces including the National Guard who have served in both pre-and post-9/11 eras.
- Current Spouses of veteran or active service members, including surviving spouses
Spouses, veterans and service members who apply must be a full-time* student pursuing one of the following degrees at a public or private, U.S.-based, accredited institution for the upcoming fall/spring academic year:
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- A full-time undergraduate degree (No certificates or associate’s degree)
- A full-time graduate or professional degree (No certificates or associate’s degree)
- You do not need to be attending a University Partnered school to apply. See video in regards to the University Partnered vs At-Large process for more information.
*full-time as determined by the institution and program of study to which an applicant is applying
- Child dependents are not eligible to apply
- Cadets/current ROTC participants with a future service commitment are not eligible to apply
- Although we greatly appreciate the critical service rendered by members of the U.S. Public Health Service, First Responders (to include Law Enforcement personnel), and the Intelligence Community, members of those services who are not military veterans, service members, or spouses of military veterans/service members are not eligible to apply to be Tillman Scholars
- Scholarships are awarded for the upcoming fall/spring academic year, not the current academic year. Scholarships are not retroactive for completed courses.
Strong applicants for this military scholarship demonstrate clear academic goals, extraordinary leadership potential and a deep desire to create positive change. They believe their best years of service to our country are still ahead of them, and they are committed to strengthening communities at home and around the world.
For additional eligibility information please watch this short video.
Applicants will be required to submit the following items:
- Current resume
- (4) 200-word essay questions
- Character recommendation from a third party
- Please note, this is not a letter of recommendation. This third party will answer specific questions through our application tool.
- A 250-word biography
- Completed FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and a financial worksheet that includes current budget of all expenses and incomes for household, to include all military benefits.
- Completed Student Aid Report (SAR) generated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Two photos from military service or with their spouse who is/was in the military
- Proof of Military Service: most recent DD 214 (Member 4 preferred), Officer Record Brief, Enlistment Record Brief, Basic Individual Record, Personal Data Record, Performance Summary Record, or Report on Individual Personnel, Employee Summary Sheet, Single Unit Retrieval Format
- Permission for PTF to complete a background check
For tips on applying, check out the PTF Blog for our scholar’s advice on the process.
Can a Tillman Scholar Award be Renewed?
Annual funding renewability will be considered for Tillman Scholars based on:
- Meeting the expected graduation date
- Proof of full-time student status and a minimum 3.0 GPA earned
- Engagement with the Tillman Scholar community
- Documented participation in service
- Accountability for use of scholarship funds
Military scholarship funding can only be used toward a single, post-secondary degree.