The MOAA Education Assistance Program

Interest-Free Loans & Grants for College Students of Military Families

We've Made Some Exciting Changes

You might notice that things look a little different around here. We've made some updates to our program and our website to better serve you, so take a moment to explore the new features and improvements. 

How our Program Works

Students apply for the Education Assistance Program through a single, streamlined application process. The application includes questions about the student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, military affiliation, and financial background. Additionally, applicants are invited to share their post-graduation plans and college aspirations through an essay question.

 

Unlike traditional programs where students apply for specific funding types, our approach allows us to match each student with the most suitable funding opportunities based on their eligibility. This way, students won’t miss out on any funding opportunities they’re qualified for.

 

To participate in the Education Assistance Program, students must submit an application during the November 1 - March 1 window. Our program has two applications: New Student Applications and Renewing Student Applications. Once a student is accepted into ​the program and receives funding, they have the opportunity to reapply for funding each year of their undergraduate studies. Students who have ​previously applied for the Education Assistance Program AND have received program funds are considered renewing students.

Program Eligibility & Timeline

To qualify for our Education Assistance Program, students must meet the following criteria:

 Age Requirement: Students must be 24 years of age or younger.

  • Age Requirement: Students must be 24 years of age or younger.
  • Military Affiliation: All children of officers are eligible. Officer parents are required to have a paid MOAA membership if their child is selected for our program. Children of active duty or retired enlisted personnel are eligible as well. However, children of former enlisted personnel are unfortunately not eligible for our program. "Former enlisted" refers to individuals who have been discharged or separated from the military and are no longer serving.
  • Academic Requirement: Students must have a cumulative high school or college GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • College Enrollment Status: Accepted students of our program must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college, university, 2 year accredited program, or trade school. Our program does not provide funding for those enrolled in medical school, law school, or pursuing any postgraduate degree. 

 

Students who are unable to meet the GPA or age requirements are welcome to apply and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Exact timelines vary every year based on a variety of factors. Due to the legal requirements of distributing loans, it is vital that students complete all necessary paperwork early in order to avoid delays. 

Access the Application Portal

We use SurveyMonkey Apply to facilitate our application process. While applications are only open from Nov 1 to March 1, you can access your account at anytime to check the status of your application.

Types of Funding We Offer

 Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, students will be offered a combination of interest-free loans and grants, with the option to choose which type of funding they would like to accept.

Interest-Free Loans

These loans offer financial support without the burden of interest. Repayment begins 6 months after a student completes their undergraduate degree.

 

Board of Director’s Grants

Grants allocated by our board members to support promising students in achieving their academic goals.

 

Donor Designated Scholarships

These scholarships are generously contributed by our donors or MOAA chapters and council. Students chosen receive a $500 grant named by the donor.

 

Senior Grants

Available for renewing students only and awarded to rising college seniors with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Students who submit a renewal application in their junior year of college will automatically be considered. Note: Senior grants are subject to available funding. Even if a student meets all qualifying requirements, they may not receive a Senior Grant.

 

American Patriot Scholarship

Awarded to children whose parent died while on active-duty service or is receiving Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (T-SGLI) payments. 

 

General John Paul Ratay Grant

Awarded to children of officers who retired from service and subsequently passed away.

 

Special Grants

Our special grants are tailored to specific criteria, such as high academic achievement, financial need (low-income households), military service background (deceased military parent), or college grade level. The availability and amount of these grants depend on the number of students in our program and our annual budget. 

Disbursements

Once accepted students will be required to set up a separate account with our disbursement platform, Tipalti, in order to receive funding. Funds are distributed no later than August 31. To avoid delays, keep an eye out on your email for specific instructions on how to set up your payment account.

 

*EXSISTING Tipalti account holders can visit the following link at any time to update their payment information or view payment history: https://suppliers.tipalti.com/MOAA/account/login

Education Assistance Renewal

We understand the importance of continued support throughout one's educational journey. Our Education Assistance Program allows students to renew their aid for up to 5 years. This ensures that students have the stability and resources needed to focus on their studies. After signing a Promissory Note and receiving funds from us, a student is considered a renewing student. Renewing students only need to submit a renewal application and do not need to go through the full application process again.

 

To remain eligible for funding, renewing students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Students who do not meet this requirement will be ineligible for funding. However, they may renew in future years if their GPA improves.

 

Each year during the renewal period, student’s eligibility will be re-evaluated to ensure they receive the funding they qualify for based on their academic achievements and financial need.

 

Renewing students and upperclassmen have priority when awarding special grants. This prioritization recognizes student’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and ensures they have continued access to additional support opportunities.

Interest-Free Loan Repayment

Repayment for Interest-Free Loans begin 6 months after a student completes their undergraduate degree.

 

We’ve taken the hassle out of loan repayment by partnering with ZuntaFi, our loan servicing company. With an online account, ZuntaFi makes it easy to make payments, check loan balance, or update banking details. Download our Repayment Resource Guide for more information. 

 

To create a ZuntaFi account please visit www.zuntafi.com or call 800-592-1270. 

 

Learn more about loan repayment and download our Repayment Resource Guide below for more information.

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Contact Us

Please email us at edassist@moaa.org or call our office at 1-800-234-6622. We are available by phone or email Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm EST.

Together We Make A Difference

Our work is made possible thanks to a generous community of supporters who believe in the mission of the MOAA Scholarship Fund. Join us today to help provide military children financial assistance for the next phase in their education. 



MOAA Scholarship Fund Mission

MOAA Scholarship Fund (SF, EIN 54-1659039), a 501(c)(3) charitable subsidiary of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), offers students of military families financial relief to alleviate some of the burden that comes with continuing education.