Tillman Scholarship

Founded in 2008, the Tillman Scholars program supports our nation’s active-duty service members, veterans and military spouses by investing in their higher education. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has named over 400 Tillman Scholars at more than 100 institutions nationwide.

Responsibilities

In order to best prepare for completing the application, please have the following information available during the process: military service history, educational history, enrollment plans, and expected academic/living expenses and income for the upcoming academic year.

The following documents will need to be uploaded in a digital file format:

• Documentation of military service and/or community impact as a military spouse. All discharged service members must provide their most recent DD-214 (please block out your SSN). Active Reservist or National Guard applicants may provide alternate military service verification forms. Note: all submitted military service verification forms will undergo validation.
• Résumé including education, work, public service history, recognitions and awards earned.
• Responses to (2) essay questions exploring the following areas: military and public service motivation and experiences; and educational, career and service ambitions.
• Character recommendation from a third-party
• If an applicant progresses, we will request the following additional information at junctures in the selection process: student aid report from FAFSA; (2) photos from military service or with your spouse; institutional financial aid award letter; and completion of a background check. Please download our background check policy here.

All Tillman Scholar applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for funding.

Eligibility Requirements

The following candidates may apply to become a Tillman Scholar:

• Veteran and active-duty military service members
  • Honorably discharged of pre-and post-9/11 service
  • From all branches of the U.S. Military including National Guard and Reserve
• Current spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, including surviving spouses
• Service members or spouses pursuing a degree as a full-time* student:
  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s or above)
  • Graduate or professional degree
  • At a public or private, U.S.-based accredited institution

*Full-time as determined by your institution and program of study

Application Process

The application portal can be accessed here.

Awardees are selected based upon the following criteria:

• Educational and career ambitions
• Record of military service and/or community impact as a military spouse
• Record of personal achievement
• Demonstration of service to others in the community
• Desire to continue to serve others and make a positive impact on your community
• Leadership potential
• Compelling, thoughtful, genuine and thorough essay question responses