Types of Aid for Military and Veteran Students
A great education can be more affordable than you expect. Active members of the military enjoy up to 40 percent off tuition, and our Veteran Award offers need-based aid to those who qualify. We also offer a wide range of scholarships, loans, grants, work-study and other forms of financial aid.
Explore your options
Financial aid at CMU comes in a variety of forms. Some types of aid, like scholarships and grants, are gifts that you don’t have to repay. Others are loans that you’ll start repaying after you’ve earned your degree. Some types of aid are specifically designed for military students, while others are open to all students.
VA benefits
As a veteran, active member of the military, or a qualified dependent, you may be eligible for tuition benefits provided by the government. You can learn more about the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, the Montgomery GI Bill®, and other federal programs on the VA’s website.
Scholarships
Scholarships are gift funds that you don’t have to repay. We award $50 million each year in scholarship support, and many organizations offer scholarships to veterans and members of the military. Scholarships are also available through many academic departments at CMU.
Grants
Based on financial need, grants are offered to on-campus students as gift funds that you don’t have to repay. Grants are available from CMU, the federal government and other sources. Some are specifically designed for veterans, active-duty military personnel and qualified dependents.
CMU Veteran Award
- Need-based award for eligible veterans in graduate and undergraduate programs.
- Amount of award varies depending on need and degree program.
- Not available to students who are receiving discounted tuition rate.
- Apply by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Veteran Award Application.
Federal Pell Grant
- Up to $6,495 per academic year.
- Available to full-time undergraduates who:
- Have not received a baccalaureate degree.
- Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $5,845 or less.
- Have not received a Federal Pell grant for more than the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters.
- Meet the general eligibility criteria.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Up to $4,000 per academic year.
- Available to undergraduate students who:
- Are enrolled at least half time.
- Qualify on the basis of need.
- Are eligible for a Federal Pell grant.
- Have applied for financial aid by CMU’s priority deadline date.
- Apply by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Learn more about Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
CMU Grant
- Available to a limited number of undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half time.
- Students are chosen based on financial need and FAFSA application data.
- Grant funds are not automatically renewed each year.
- Students may not receive CMU grants for more than two years.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant
- Need-based grants are available from certain Native American tribes.
- Award amounts vary on a tribe-to-tribe basis.
- Apply by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a tribal application.
TEACH (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education) Grant
- Up to $4,000 per academic year ($16,000 total for four-year undergraduate programs).
- Available to students who plan to teach full-time in high-need subject areas at schools that serve students from low-income families.
- Students must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which they received a TEACH Grant.
- Apply by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contacting the Office of Educator Preparation Programs.
Loans
Federal loans with low interest rates can help you pay for your education. You’ll have to pay them back, but borrowing can ease your upfront costs.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
- Available to undergraduates with financial need who are enrolled at least half time.
- The federal government pays the interest on this loan while you’re in school, for the first six months after you leave school, and during deferments.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Available to undergraduate and graduate students with and without financial need.
- You are responsible for paying the interest on this loan even while you’re in school.
Federal PLUS Loans for Parents
- Available to parents with good credit history.
- Not based on need.
- Parents can borrow up to the total cost of education minus other expected financial assistance.
Student employment
The federal work-study program gives you the opportunity to contribute toward your education with a campus job.