Tillman Scholar Program Opening Soon
Offered by Pat Tillman Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Tillman Scholar Program honors the legacy of Pat Tillman, the NFL player who left professional football to enlist in the U.S. Army after 9/11. Since 2009, the Pat Tillman Foundation has invested more than $40 million in academic support for military service members, veterans, and their spouses, building a community of nearly 1,000 scholars across more than 160 universities.
The program selects up to 60 new Tillman Scholars each year from an applicant pool that produces an acceptance rate under 3 percent. Awards average $10,000 per academic year and are sized individually based on financial need and educational expenses, covering tuition, fees, books, and living costs. Eligible applicants include veterans and active-duty members of all branches, plus current and surviving military spouses.
Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree program at an accredited U.S. institution. There is no minimum GPA to apply, though scholars must maintain a 3.0 to renew. The application includes multiple essays and a biography.
Eligibility
- Veteran or active-duty service member of any U.S. military branch (pre- or post-9/11, including Guard and Reserve), or a current/surviving military spouse
- Enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university
- Pursuing a bachelor's, master's, or professional degree
- No minimum GPA to apply; 3.0 GPA required to renew the award
How To Apply
- Create an account on the foundation's application portal (pattillman.smapply.org) when the cycle opens, typically December 1
- Complete the application, including two 500-word essays, four 200-word short essays, and a 250-word biography
- Finalists complete an interview round before the new scholar class is announced
Frequently Asked Questions
Do military spouses qualify for the Tillman Scholar Program?
Yes. Current spouses of veterans or active-duty service members, including surviving spouses, are eligible alongside service members and veterans themselves.
How much is the Tillman Scholarship worth?
Awards average about $10,000 per academic year, but each scholar's amount is calculated individually based on financial need and educational expenses, and the award is renewable annually with a 3.0 GPA.