Navy League Foundation Scholarships
Offered by Navy League of the United States Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Navy League Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors with family ties to the sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, U.S.-flag Merchant Marine, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. The foundation is the charitable arm of the Navy League of the United States, a civilian group that has supported sea service members and their families since 1902.
The 2027-2028 cycle includes about nine named funds. Most pay $10,000 spread over four years, including the Jewell H. Bonner, John G. Brokaw, John J. Schiff Sr., Subic Bay-Cubi Point, United Armed Forces Association, and Harold Wirth scholarships. The largest, the Frederick O. Harper Scholarship, pays $20,000 over four years to students heading into engineering or the biological sciences. Smaller options include the one-year $2,500 Collins Aerospace Scholarship for engineering, aviation, or science majors and four $1,000 Alaska Sea Service Scholarships.
One application is reviewed for all the funds a student qualifies for. Applicants need SAT or ACT scores and a FAFSA Student Aid Index, so plan to finish the FAFSA well before the March deadline.
Eligibility
- Graduating high school senior who will enroll at an accredited college or university in fall 2027
- Dependent, child, stepchild, grandchild, step-grandchild, or great-grandchild of a current or former member of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, U.S.-flag Merchant Marine, or U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps
- Sea Cadets may apply on their own service (the cadet applies, not a relative)
- Frederick O. Harper Scholarship requires an engineering or biological sciences major; Collins Aerospace requires engineering, aviation, or science
- Alaska Sea Service Scholarships are for dependents of sea service members who claim Alaska as their state of residence
How To Apply
- Read the list of funds available this cycle on the Navy League Foundation scholarship page (any fund not listed is not offered for 2027-2028)
- Complete the FAFSA so you can submit your official Student Aid Index
- Gather your official transcript, official SAT or ACT scores, proof of the sea service member's qualifying service, and proof of your relationship to that member
- Line up one letter of recommendation and write a brief biography
- Submit the online application linked from the foundation page by March 15, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for each Navy League scholarship?
No. The foundation uses one application, and reviewers consider you for every fund whose requirements you meet, such as the engineering-only Harper Scholarship or the Alaska-only awards.
Does my grandparent's Navy service count?
Yes. Grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of current or former Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and U.S.-flag Merchant Marine members are eligible, as long as you can document both the service and the family relationship.
Are test scores required?
Yes. The foundation lists official SAT or ACT scores as a required document, along with your FAFSA Student Aid Index.