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.

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. 

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.