Military-related students urged to jump on scholarships now

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • Leslie Hull-Ryde
The Office of Veteran and Military Student Success helps military-affiliated students, like Ian Chisholm, take advantage of services and benefits available.
The Office of Veteran and Military Student Success helps military-affiliated students, like Ian Chisholm, take advantage of services and benefits available.

In addition to the GI Bill, veteran and military-affiliated students can apply for more than a dozen scholarships, established just for them. These financial resources help defray the cost of tuition, making a USCA degree more affordable and accessible.

The annual scholarship application cycle for USCA’s Office of Veteran and Military Student Success runs through July 1. Students are encouraged to reach out to the VMSS for specific criteria for each scholarship and to apply early.

“These scholarships allow us to best position our veteran and military students to achieve their educational, career and life goals,” said Tristan Stone, VMSS assistant director. 

“By alleviating financial stress, we empower students to focus on academic performance, persistence, and degree completion.”

Collectively, these scholarships provide approximately $65,000 in annual funding to support USC Aiken’s veteran and military student population.

With resources like the military-related scholarships, about 33 percent of all USCA students graduate with no debt.

"At USCA, the impact of philanthropy is palpable,” said Daniel P. Elwell, Sr., vice chancellor for development and alumni affairs.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, student scholarships ease financial burdens and create opportunity for those who have dedicated their lives to serve our country.  We are proud to support our veteran and military-affiliated students as they pursue their degrees and their next chapter of service.”

The VMSS team helps students maximize their military-related educational benefits, scholarships and career opportunities. They also offer networking events, counseling and best practices for a successful military-to-community transition. This staff is made up of veterans, military service members and family members, most of whom are current USCA students.

Veteran and military-affiliated students comprise about 13 percent of the USCA student body.

2026 VMSS Scholarships Available

  1. Aiken Area Veteran Support Charity “Bridge the Gap” Veteran Scholarship
  2. Charles M. Stomieroski Marine Re-Entering College Scholarship
  3. Captain Linda Caldwell Endowed Scholarship for Nursing
  4. Donald L. and Shirley Kaydo Lemponen Army Veteran and Military Student Success Endowed Scholarship
  5. Leonard D. and Norma C. Toner Scholarship
  6. Robert and Vicki Allen Scholarship
  7. Ray and Heidi Frazier Scholarship
  8. University of South Carolina Aiken Military Spouse Scholarship
  9. Miguel Pereyo Memorial Endowed Scholarship for Engineering
  10. Louis J. Hatcher of Graniteville, SC Memorial Endowed Scholarship
  11. Captain John W. Abshire ROTC Scholarship
  12. Kaber Needs Based Scholarship for Military Spouses and Dependents
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