Marine corps scholarship foundation – Eligibility, Last Date & Apply Online

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (MCSF) is the oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military-connected students in the U.S., honoring the service and sacrifice of Marines and their families. Since its founding in 1962, it has awarded over $220 million in scholarships.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Undergraduate & Associate Degree Scholarship, applicants must meet these core requirements:

1. Be the child or stepchild of one of the following:
   • Active duty, Reserve, or veteran U.S. Marine (must have an honorable discharge).
   • A Marine killed while serving.
   • Navy Corpsmen, Navy Chaplains, or Religious Program Specialists who are or were attached to a Marine Corps unit (including those killed in action).
2. Maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
3. Demonstrate financial need—family adjusted gross income must be $123,000 or less (for the 2025–2026 application cycle, based on tax year 2023 data).
4. Plan to attend an accredited institution eligible for federal funding.
5. Submit a complete application with all required documents by the deadline.

Special Categories

• Children of the Fallen: If your qualifying military parent died in connection to service (e.g., combat, 9/11, suicide due to combat-related PTSD), the Foundation guarantees a four-year scholarship of $30,000 ($7,500/year). These applicants are not subject to the income threshold.
• Children of the Wounded: If your parent was wounded in action or medically retired due to injury, you may receive up to $40,000 over four years ($2.5k–$10k per year), subject to standard eligibility including income.
• Grandchildren: Eligible only if the grandparent is a member of specific Marine associations (e.g., Gray Ghost Squadron Association). All other eligibility rules, including financial need, still apply. Funding is limited.

Disqualifications

Applicants are disqualified if:

• The parent did not receive an honorable discharge (if veteran).
• The applicant already holds an undergraduate degree.
• The student is attending a federal service academy.
• The school attended is not on College Navigator or not eligible for federal funding.
• The applicant is in a dual-enrollment program (prior to high school graduation).
• Military stepparent is no longer married to the biological parent.

Application Timeline & Deadlines

Undergraduate & Associate Degree Scholarships

• Application opens: January 1 annually.
• Deadline to apply: March 1 at 11:59 p.m. (Central Time, per recent post).
• Award decisions e-mailed by May 31.
• First scholarship payments go to schools by August 1, followed by additional disbursements approximately twice a month.
• Award acceptance deadline: November 1.
• Transfer paperwork (if applicable) due by December/January.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) Scholarships

Applications accepted year-round.

Processing timeline:

• Week 1: Submit application.
• Weeks 2–6: Review process.
• Week 7: Notification sent.
• Week 8: Complete acceptance package and payment arranged.

Required Documents

For New Undergraduate Applicants:

• Transcript: Must include applicant name, school name, fall 2024 grades (or dated after January 1, 2025), and cumulative GPA. Unofficial transcripts or screenshots are acceptable if they include all required info.
• 2023 Federal Tax Return (all pages), showing dependent information and AGI, or IRS Verification of Non-Filing.
• Military service documentation:
  • If the parent is no longer serving: DD214 (Member-4) inclusive of “Character of Service” marked as Honorable.
  • If currently active or reservist: Statement of Service (on official letterhead, signed, and dated within 90 days of March 1, 2025).
• Applicant photo: Clear, 500 KB minimum, preferably 300 dpi.
• Additional documentation may be required for special circumstances (stepchild, grandchild, medically retired parent, etc.).

For Renewal Applicants:

• Updated transcript and 2023 tax document (or non-filing).

Applying Online

Application process is entirely online—no paper, email, or fax submissions accepted. All documents must be uploaded as a single merged PDF.

Steps:

1. Visit the MCSF Apply page.
2. Choose between Undergraduate/Associate or CTE application.
3. Create or log into your myMCSF account.
4. Complete the application form, upload required documents, and submit before the deadline.
5. Keep track of communications for awards and next steps via email.

Sample Timeline (2025–2026 Undergraduate Cycle)

Date	Action
January 1, 2025	Application opens.
March 1, 2025	Final deadline to submit application.
May 31, 2025	Scholarship decisions emailed.
August 1, 2025	First disbursement sent to schools.
November 1, 2025	Deadline to accept the award.
Dec 2025/Jan 2026	Transfer paperwork (if needed).

Why This Scholarship Matters

• Guaranteed awards for eligible applicants—if you meet all criteria and submit fully, you will receive a scholarship.
• Substantial impact: Scholars graduate at a 91% rate (vs. 54% national average) and maintain higher average GPAs. Most graduate with little to no debt.
• Open to part-time learners, dual applicants to degree and CTE, and those using VA/GI Bill benefits.

Final Notes

• Be precise with deadlines—especially the March 1 deadline for undergraduate applications.
• Compile and upload all required docs in one PDF to avoid disqualification.
• Contact the Foundation early if in special categories (e.g., Children of the Fallen/Wounded).
• For CTE programs, you can apply any time, and processing is prompt (8 weeks).
• Stay proactive and track your application’s status in your myMCSF account.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation offers life-changing support to children, stepchildren, and eligible grandchildren of Marines and affiliated Navy personnel. With a well-defined eligibility framework, clear deadlines, and an all-online application portal, it’s among the most accessible and impactful scholarships available. If you’re eligible, applying—especially before the March 1 deadline—can make a significant difference in your academic journey.