San Diego State University Military Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by San Diego State University

Financial Aid for Military-Connected Students

**Description**
Students who use federal or state Veterans Affairs education benefits (for example, the GI Bill or the CalVet Fee Waiver) can also qualify for institutional and external financial aid. That aid can supplement or, in some cases, replace VA benefits, allowing students to preserve VA entitlement for future education. Using non-VA aid strategically may reduce out-of-pocket costs and extend benefit eligibility over additional terms. Contact your campus Veterans Affairs certifying official and the Student Financial Center to discuss individual options.
Key takeaways:
- VA education benefits can be combined with other financial aid in many cases.
- Additional aid can help conserve VA benefits for future use.
- Discuss options with the campus VA certifying official and Student Financial Center.

Eligibility

**Who qualifies**
Eligibility generally includes military-connected students who receive federal or state VA education benefits; eligibility criteria vary by award type. Dependents of veterans may be eligible for specific VA or campus programs—review each program’s rules. Some scholarships and waivers target particular groups (e.g., active-duty, veteran, reservist, or military family members). Always verify program-specific eligibility with the award administrator or the Student Financial Center.
Key takeaways:
- Military-connected students receiving VA benefits are the primary eligible group.
- Dependents may qualify for separate programs.
- Check each award for its specific eligibility rules.

Award Value

**What the awards cover**
Award amounts and types vary widely: institutional scholarships, endowed awards, fee waivers, grants, and loan deferment options all exist. Some awards cover tuition and fees, while others are restricted to specific costs or provide fixed-dollar scholarships. Many SDSU military-connected scholarships are endowed or donor-funded, so amounts and renewal criteria differ year to year. For precise award values and award terms, consult the SDSU Aztec Scholarships listings or the Student Financial Center.
Key takeaways:
- Award amounts range from partial scholarships to full fee waivers.
- Each award has its own terms and renewal requirements.
- Check official listings for current award values and restrictions.

Application Timeline

**Deadlines and scheduling**
Application windows and deadlines differ by program: institutional scholarships follow campus cycles, federal aid follows FAFSA/CADAA timelines, and some endowed scholarships use separate deadlines. Start early—many awards require completed financial aid applications and supporting documentation well before the term begins. Missing a deadline can forfeit eligibility, so confirm term-specific dates with the Student Financial Center and SDSU Aztec Scholarships.
Key takeaways:
- Deadlines vary by program and award type.
- Begin applications early and gather documentation in advance.
- Confirm term-specific deadlines with campus offices.

Scholarships for Veterans

**Available SDSU scholarships**
SDSU maintains a roster of military-connected scholarships that eligible students can apply for through campus channels. The list includes institutionally managed scholarships and donor-funded endowed awards targeted to veterans, active service members, and military families. Review each scholarship’s description, eligibility, and application process on the SDSU Aztec Scholarships page.
Key takeaways:
- SDSU offers multiple military-related scholarships and endowed awards.
- Scholarships target veterans, service members, and military-affiliated families.
- Consult the Aztec Scholarships page for detailed descriptions and application steps.
Notable SDSU military-connected scholarships:
- Military-related Aztec Scholarships
- Dan Gomes Veterans Alumni Organization Endowed Scholarship
- Delbert F. Harrison Veterans Endowed Scholarship
- Jack McGrory Veterans Scholarship
- Miramar Federal Credit Union Military Family Scholarship
- Sinegal Veterans Scholarship
- SDSU Veterans Scholarship
- SD Military Advisory Council SDSU Military Student of the Year Scholarship
- The American Legion District 22 Endowed Veterans Scholarship
- William J. Kievens Troops to College Scholarship

How to Apply and Report Benefits

**Steps to apply and report**
Complete required financial aid applications (FAFSA or state alternatives) and submit scholarship applications through SDSU’s Aztec Scholarships portal if applicable. Notify the campus Veterans Affairs office of your enrollment and provide any documentation needed for benefit certification. Report income and current benefits to the Student Financial Center so financial aid packages are calculated accurately; inquire about active-duty loan deferment if applicable. Keep records of submissions and confirmations for all applications and benefit certifications.
Key takeaways:
- File FAFSA/CADAA and scholarship applications early.
- Provide VA enrollment certification to the campus VA office.
- Report income and other benefits to the Student Financial Center for accurate packaging.

History of SDSU Military Awards

**Background and purpose**
SDSU’s military-connected scholarships are funded through a mix of institutional programs and donor-endowed funds established to support veterans and military families. Donors include alumni, local organizations, and community partners who created targeted awards to address educational costs and ease transitions to campus life. The awards are part of SDSU’s broader support network for military-connected students, administered through scholarship offices and the Student Financial Center.
Key takeaways:
- Scholarships are funded by institutional resources and donor endowments.
- Donors and organizations create targeted awards to help veterans and families.
- Awards are administered through SDSU scholarship and financial aid offices.

Resources and Where to Learn More

**Primary contacts and webpages**
For comprehensive and current information, consult the SDSU Student Financial Center and the SDSU Aztec Scholarships webpage. The campus Veterans Affairs certifying official can answer questions about benefit certification, while scholarship pages list application details, deadlines, and award amounts. If you need assistance, reach out early to the Student Financial Center and the VA office to coordinate aid and benefit reporting.
Key takeaways:
- Main sources: SDSU Student Financial Center and Aztec Scholarships page.
- Contact the campus VA certifying official for benefit-related questions.
- Use campus resources early in the process to coordinate aid and VA benefits.