Higher Education is a key to advancement and future success. Dependent children and spouses of Airmen and Guardians can work toward their dreams of a college degree with AFAS education grants, scholarships and loans. Please review the different opportunities below, and each program’s individual eligibility criteria, to find the one that is right for you.
GENERAL HENRY H. ARNOLD EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM
The General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant program is the centerpiece of the Society’s education support initiatives, awarding competitive education grants to eligible Air Force and Space Force dependents based on family financial need. This award is so integral to AFAS education programs, in fact, that the application process for the Arnold Education Grant serves as the platform to access other important AFAS education support opportunities.
Since launching in 1988, nearly $167 million in Arnold Education Grants have been awarded to 109,499 hopeful scholars.
AFAS Merit Scholarship
Each year AFAS awards a number of merit based scholarships as a complement to the needs-based support allocated through the hallmark Arnold Education Grant program. Scholars who are being considered for the Arnold Education Grant may also be evaluated on academic merit and considered separately for an AFAS Merit Scholarship.
AFAS Supplemental Education Loan Program
This no-interest loan program – also offered as a complement to the main Arnold Education Grant – is designed to help Air Force and Space Force families with those incidental college expenses. Scholars who are being considered for the Arnold Education Grant may have the opportunity to secure a Supplemental Education Loan.
“Bee” Arnold Spouse Tuition Program
This program provides funding for spouses to pursue entry-level job training to help secure immediate, viable employment through short term programs/certifications (3-12 weeks) or spouses pursuing a PART-TIME undergraduate degree at an accredited 2-4 year college, university or vocational/trade school approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federal aid programs.
COLUMBIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
Columbia Southern University (CSU) is partnering with the Air Force Aid Society to offer a 60 credit hour scholarship to an enlisted U.S. Air Force Airman or U.S. Space Force Guardian spouse who is interested in attending CSU.
HISTORY
Education support for the children of WWII era Airmen was the first mission priority of Air Force Aid Society. To this day, education tuition assistance programs remain a vital part of the AFAS mission.
Other Scholarship Resources
- Fast Web Scholarships
- Military Financial Aid
- Military.com Education Resources
- Veterans and Military Scholarships Guide
- Federal Student Aid – U.S. Department of Education
- GI Bill Benefits – U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
- Intelligent.com Student Focused Publication
- Higher Education for Children (Military One Source)
- Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (Military One Source)
CONTACT US
For more information about AFAS Education Support opportunities, to find out if you meet eligibility criteria or for assistance completing your Arnold Education Grant application, contact us.