2025 Scholarship Season for High School Seniors, College Students: Apply February 1
If you are a Coast Guard child with dreams of higher education, this is your opportunity to earn a scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Applications for the 2025 Coast Guard Foundation scholarship season will be accepted February 1 -- April 1, 2025. Our scholarships are annual awards of $2,500 or $5,000 paid directly to your college, trade school, or accredited program. Each application goes through a comprehensive review to assess academic achievement, community involvement, and demonstrated leadership. Student financial need is a factor in determining award levels and a FAFSA report is required as part of the application package. In a typical year, we will award more than 200 scholarships.
Who can apply?
The scholarship program supports college-aged dependents of active-duty, reserve on active duty for at least 180 days, and retired Coast Guard members. Applicants can be the dependent of enlisted members or commissioned officers and can attend a community college, four-year university, or trade school. Applicants are eligible to apply for a scholarship for four years of school if they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
What can the scholarship be used for?
Scholarship funds can be used to cover tuition, room and board, fees, books, and other necessary education expenses. If you’re studying engineering, business, education, or another field, this financial support can help you reach your academic goals.
How do I apply?
The application process is simple. Click on the link below to start your application beginning February 1. There are several parts to complete including sections that must be submitted by your Coast Guard sponsor and a guidance counselor. We recommend giving yourself plenty of time to work on the application before the April 1 deadline.
Our Coast Guard Foundation program manager, Sage Williams, is available by phone (860-535-0786) or email (swilliams@coastguardfoundation.org) to answer any questions you have during the application process.
PICTURE YOURSELF HERE!
The Coast Guard Foundation is proud to have awarded more than 2,400 scholarships valued at $8.2 million since the program’s inception in 1990. We are grateful for our many scholarship program donors who help ease students’ financial burden and allow them to focus on their education and future careers.
Every year, we ask our recent college graduates to share updates on their experiences and future plans.
Among scholarship recipients, 65% graduated completely debt-free, while those with student loans owe an average of $14,815—significantly lower than the national average of $29,500. With their bachelor’s degrees and trade school diplomas in hand, they are now moving on to full-time jobs, part-time employment, graduate school, and military service, ready to take on new opportunities.
Whether you’re a high school senior or already enrolled in higher education, paying for school can be a scary undertaking. Each of our college graduates has been in your shoes and this is proof that obtaining a diploma is possible.
Fabiola Leon Gallardo, a four-year Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient who graduated in 2024 from Louisiana State University shared, “The Coast Guard Foundation scholarship had a profound impact on my life, providing crucial financial support that allowed me to pursue my education without the burden of student debt.”
She offered some advice for Coast Guard kids applying for a scholarship this year.
“Always apply, even if you doubt your chances. The Foundation offers scholarships that can significantly ease the financial weight of college. From personal experience, I can attest that they are dedicated to helping students succeed. Every bit of financial aid helps.”