The American Legion Legacy Scholarship

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is sponsored by The American Legion. A needs-based scholarship designed to cover a financial gap for college expenses after other federal and state aid has been used. It supports children of post-9/11 military members who died on active duty or post-9/11 veterans with a combined disability rating of 50% or greater.

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship | The American Legion The American Legion Legacy Scholarship The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship designed to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state educational grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been utilized. The 2026-27 tuition is capped at $29,920. 95 which is the maximum amount the VA will pay out per academic year.

View the most current rates Children , adopted child or stepchild of U.S. military members who died while on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Children , adopted child or stepchild of post-9/11 veterans having been assigned a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs also qualify.

What Can The Scholarship Be Used For? Each needs-based scholarship provides up to $20,000 for children of the fallen , and up to $5,000 for children of the disabled for undergraduate or post-graduate college. Recipients may reapply for additional annual awards up to six times.

Children of fallen post-9/11 servicemembers Child/children or legally adopted child/children or the child of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent child as defined by the United States Armed Services of active duty United States military and National Guard and military reservists, who were federalized and died on active duty on or after Sept.

11, 2001 High school senior or high school graduate currently accepted or attending an accredited institution of higher education within the United States Official (Form DD1300) military death certificate FAFSA Summary showing Student Aid Index (SAI). For 2024, the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will be accepted.

If applicable, any award notifications from federal or state veteran benefits programs (for example, The Gunnery Sergeant Fry Scholarship, GI-Bill benefits, etc.) Financial Aid Package notification from their prospective/current institution of higher education for the upcoming school year Breakdown of all education-related expenses to include but not limited to tuition, fees, books, program costs, meal plan, housing and transportation Children of post-9/11 veterans VA-rated 50% or higher disabled Child/children or legally adopted child/children or the child of a spouse by prior marriage or dependent child as defined by the United States Armed Services of active duty United States military and National Guard and military reservists, who were federalized and received an injury while on active duty on or after Sept.

11, 2001 leading to a Department of Veteran Affairs disability rating of 50 percent or higher High school senior or high school graduate currently accepted or attending an accredited institution of higher education within the United States Official disability rating paperwork from VA FAFSA Summary showing Student Aid Index (SAI).

If applicable, any award notifications from federal or state veteran benefits programs (for example, GI-Bill benefits, etc.) Financial Aid Package notification from their prospective/current institution of higher education for the upcoming school year Breakdown of all education-related expenses to include but not limited to tuition, fees, books, program costs, meal plan, housing and transportation DD214 and/or NGB Form 22 showing dates of service and condition of discharge The application deadline is NO LATER THAN Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Scholarship awards must be used before August 1, 2027. After administrative review and approval, scholarship recipients will be notified of their scholarship award between May 8 and May 22, 2026 , via the email used on the application. Please check spam/junk folders if you do not see an email by late May.

Frequently Asked Questions & More Information This information may be updated throughout the year to reflect any changes or to add additional information. Frequently Asked Questions Acceptable Educational Expenses Apply for the Legacy Scholarship Please read all the above before applying for the Legacy Scholarship.

Legacy Scholarship Application Previous Award Years: By the Numbers 2025 American Legion Legacy Scholarship Information Total number of scholarships awarded in 2025: 559 Total amount of scholarship funds awarded in 2025: $1,778,165* Total number of scholarships awarded since inception: 1,890 Total amount of scholarship funds awarded since inception: $9,670,565* 2024 American Legion Legacy Scholarship Information Total number of scholarships awarded in 2024: 506 Total amount of scholarship funds awarded in 2024: $ 1,645,558 * Total number of scholarships awarded since inception: 1,331 Total amount of scholarship funds awarded since inception: $ 7,892,400 * Download the 2023 Legacy Scholarship Annual Report Your Generosity Helps Fund Future Scholarships Donate to the Legacy Trust Fund