There are many college scholarships for widowed spouses in the US for the 2026-2027 academic year, listed below. Please contact me if you know of a scholarship that isn’t on the list. Looking for college scholarships for students who have lost a parent? Check out the lists here.
Find out when scholarships are added!
Scholarship Name
Website
Scholarship Description
Award Amount
Application Deadline
State
America’s Gold Star Families Scholarships
America’s Gold Star Families annually awards $1,000 scholarships to family members of a fallen hero while serving active duty.
$1,000
December 11
Any
Colwell Law Single Parent Scholarship
The scholarship awards $1,000 to a student, who is a single parent or the child of a single parent, pursuing a college education.
$1,000
May 31
Any
Eden Alaine Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to support students who have lost close family members and fought to continue pursuing their goals. Any high school, undergraduate, or graduate student who has lost an immediate family member may apply.
$1,000
March 5
Any
Jackanow Suicide Awareness Scholarship
Any undergraduate or graduate student at University of Arizona, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or Grand Canyon University who has lost a loved one to suicide may apply for this scholarship.
$2,800
June 30
Any
The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund
The LMM Fund provides scholarships to students who have lost a parent/guardian, grandparent, sibling, or spouse to drug, alcohol, or prescription drug abuse.
Varies from $250 to $1,000
Fall: May 31; Spring: Nov 30
Any
The Fry Scholarship
Provided by the VA, the Fry Scholarship helps pay for college for children and surviving spouses of active-duty service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001.
Tuition, housing, books and supplies for 36 months
Not Stated
Any
Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers & Firefighters Scholarship Program
The program offers financial assistance to dependent children and spouses of any Mississippi law enforcement officer or firefighter who died or became permanently and totally disabled as a result of injuries or wounds which occurred in the line of duty.
Tuition & room
September 15
MS
Camden County Hero Scholarship Fund
Line of Duty Death Scholarships are awarded to those members of Camden County, New Jersey’s public safety personnel who are killed in the line of duty, who fit the existing criteria for awarding said scholarships.
Tuition, books and scholastic fees
Not Stated
NJ
Folded Flag Foundation Educational Scholarships
The foundation provides educational scholarships and support grants to the spouses and children of the U.S. military and government personnel who died as a result of hostile action or in an accident related to U.S. combat operations.
Tuition and fees, books, computers, living expenses, etc.
May 1
Any
National Fallen Firefighters Foundation
The Foundation offers financial assistance for post-secondary education and training to spouses, life partners, children and stepchildren of firefighters honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Varies
March 1
Any
New Jersey Survivor Tuition Benefits Program
This scholarship helps eligible children and surviving spouses of New Jersey firefighters, emergency service workers and law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty earn a bachelor’s degree.
Tuition
Spring: March 1; Fall: October 1
NJ
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program
Also called Chapter 35, the DEA program helps pay for school for children and spouses of veterans or service members who died on or after August 1, 2023.
Up to ,574 per month
Not Stated
Any
Silver Shield Foundation
The foundation invests in the education of the children and surviving spouses of the NYC Police Department, NYC Fire Department/EMS, NY/NJ Port Authority Police Departments, NY, NJ, and CT State Police, Nassau and Suffolk County police departments and all police departments in CT.
Not Stated
Not Stated
CT, NJ, NY
Encore Victims of Drunk Driving Scholarship
Scholarship is open to students who are the victim of a drunk driving accident or a child, dependent or spouse of a victim of a drunk driving accident.
Not Stated
May 15
Any
New Jersey World Trade Center Scholarship
The WTC scholarship benefits dependent children and surviving spouses of New Jersey residents who were killed or died as a result of injuries sustained by the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The award also benefits the dependents of those who died as a result of illness caused by exposure to the attack sites.
Tuition, fees, room & board
Spring: March 1; Fall: October 1
NJ
World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship for children, spouses, and financial dependents of innocent victims who died or were severely and permanently disabled as a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.
Cost of attendance
Rolling
NY
Concerns of Police Survivors Scholarship
C.O.P.S. scholarships provide financial assistance to surviving children and to surviving spouses of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, who wish to pursue a course of study beyond high school.
Up to $2,000 per semester
Summer: April 1; Fall: June 1; Winter & Spring: October 1
Any
Folds of Honor Scholarships
Folds of Honor scholarships are available to spouses and children of fallen or disabled first responders and US service members.
Up to $2,500 per term
March 31
Any
Brave of Heart Scholarship
The Brave of Heart Fund provides scholarship funding to families of front line healthcare workers, volunteers, and support staff whose lives were lost in the fight against COVID-19.
Up to $25,000 per year
April 22
Any
The ASSP Foundation Family Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is available to spouses and children of individuals who lost their lives in a workplace incident.
Varies
Rolling
Any
Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund
The Fund awards scholarships to dependent children, spouses, or domestic partners of 9/11 victims, including airplane crew and passengers; World Trade Center and Pentagon workers and visitors; and relief workers who were involved in the rescue efforts.
Varies
Spring: May 1; Summer: Sep 1; Year: October 1; Fall: December 1
Any
MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Scholarship Fund honors education, health care, not-for-profit, public safety, and local and state government employees who died while in service to their communities by providing their surviving children or spouses with financial assistance for post-secondary education.
Up to $10,000
April 2
Any
NYS Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship for children, spouses and financial dependents of deceased firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police officers, peace officers (including NYS Correction Officers), and emergency medical service workers who have died on the job.
Cost of attendance
Rolling
NY
Flight 3407 Memorial Scholarship
Scholarship for families who lost loved ones as a direct result of the crash of Continental Airlines Flight 3407 in Clarence, New York on February 12, 2009 cover the cost of attending college in New York State.
Cost of attendance
Rolling
NY
Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive & Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship
Scholarships for NY children, spouses, and financial dependents of members of the United States Armed Forces or state-organized militia who died or became severely and permanently disabled performing their military duties.
Cost of attendance
Rolling
NY
Children and Spouse of Indiana National Guard
Provides 100% of tuition and regularly assessed fees for students who are the child or spouse of a member of the Indiana National Guard who suffered a service-connected death while serving on state active duty.
Tuition & fees
30 days before semester starts
IN
Indiana Children and Spouse of Public Safety Officers
Provides 100% of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public colleges for students who are the child or spouse of certain Indiana public safety officers who were killed in the line of duty or are a permanently disabled state trooper.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
IN
Michigan Police Officer’s and Fire Fighter’s Survivor Tuition Grant
The grant provides for the waiver of tuition at a Michigan community college or public university for the natural or adopted children and surviving spouses of Michigan police officers and fire fighters killed in the line of duty.
Tuition only for courses applicable toward a certificate or degree
July 15
MI
Kentucky Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Members of the Armed Forces or National Guard
This program provides exemption from matriculation or tuition fees of dependents, widow, or widower of Kentucky members of the Armed Forces or of members of the National Guard killed while in service or having died as a result of service-connected disability.
Tuition
Not Stated
KY
Kentucky Tuition Waiver for Survivors of Police Officers or Firefighters
This program provides free tuition at state-supported schools for survivors of police officers, firefighters, or other state-administered retirement system participants who died in the line of duty.
Tuition
Not Stated
KY
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program
The Massachusetts Public Service Grant was established for students who have experienced the loss of a parent and/or spouse who is killed or missing in the line of public service duty in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Cost of tuition at a Massachusetts public school
May 1
MA
Commonwealth September 11, 2001 Tragedy Tuition Waiver
The program provides a 100% tuition waiver to Massachusetts children and widowed spouses who are directly affected by the September 11 events for any state-supported course or program offered by a Massachusetts public college or university.
Tuition for eligible state-supported courses
Not Stated
MA
Alabama Police Officer’s and Firefighter’s Survivors Educational Assistance Program
This grant covers tuition, fees, books and supplies for dependents and eligible spouses of Alabama police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty.
Tuition, fees, books and supplies
Not Stated
AL
Idaho Armed Forces and PSO Dependent Scholarship
The scholarship is awarded to dependents of fallen or permanently disabled members of the armed forces or public safety officers. Eligible applicants must be an Idaho resident.
Tuition, fees, books, on-campus housing and subsistence
Not Stated
ID
California Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program
LEPD provides a grant to dependents and spouses of law enforcement officers, firefighters and correctional officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and were California residents.
Up to the Cal Grant award amount
June 30
CA
Alan Pattee Scholarship
This scholarship provides an exemption of tuition and fees at a California public school for the surviving spouse or child of a deceased California resident who died in the line of duty in law enforcement or fire prevention and suppression.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
CA
Florida Scholarships for Children and Spouses
of Deceased or Disabled Veterans
The scholarship provides an award to dependent children or un-remarried spouses of qualified Florida veterans who died or was disabled in the line of service.
Tuition & fees at a Florida public school or equivalent amount
April 1
FL
Colorado Dependent Tuition Assistance Program
DTAP provides financial assistance to dependents of public servants who were killed or disabled in the line of duty, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, members of the national guard, prisoners of war or persons missing in action.
Varies
Not Stated
CO
Georgia Public Safety Memorial Grant
The GPSM provides grant funds to the dependent children and spouses of Georgia Public Safety Officers who were permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty.
Up to $18,000 per year
Not Stated
GA
Georgia HERO Scholarship
The scholarship provides funds to the children and spouse of a member of the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves and who was killed or disabled while serving in a combat zone.
Up to $2,000 per year
Not Stated
GA
IllinoisGrant Program for Dependents of Police or Fire Officers
This grant provides financial assistance for study at ISAC-approved Illinois colleges to spouses and children of Illinois police or fire officers who were killed or became at least 90 percent disabled in the line of duty.
Tuition & fees
Full Year: October 1; Spring & Summer:
March 1; Summer:
June 15
IL
Grant Program for Dependents of Correctional Officers
This grant provides financial assistance for study at ISAC-approved Illinois colleges to spouses and children of State of Illinois Department of Corrections officers who were killed or became at least 90 percent disabled in the line of duty.
Tuition & fees
Full Year: October 1; Spring & Summer:
March 1; Summer:
June 15
IL
llinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA-POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial assistance for study at Illinois public colleges to dependents of Illinois residents who entered active duty and were declared to be a prisoner of war, missing in action, disabled or dead in the line of service.
Not Stated
Not Stated
IL
Kansas Hero’s Scholarship
The scholarship provides a waiver for eligible dependents and spouses of certain deceased/disabled public safety officers and military personnel to attend an eligible public Kansas postsecondary educational institution.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
KS
Maine Veterans’ Dependents Educational Benefits
Maine provides a 100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees at a Maine public college for spouses and dependents of veterans who were disabled, killed in action, or listed MIA.
Tuition & fees
Rolling
ME
Edward T. and Mary A. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program & Jean B. Cryor Memorial Scholarship Program
The program provides financial assistance to eligible Maryland children and surviving spouses of the following who died or were permanently disabled in the line of duty: school employee, member of the US Armed Forces, victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or public safety employee.
Tuition and mandatory fees of a MD public school
July 15
MD
Missouri Public Service Officer or Employee’s Child Survivor Grant Program
This program provides tuition assistance to certain Missouri public safety officers and employees and their families if the employee is killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty.
Tuition
Rolling
MO
Missouri Wartime Veteran’s Survivors Grant Program
The program is available annually to children and spouses of Missouri veterans who died or were disabled as a result of combat action.
Tuition and up to $2,500
Rolling
MO
New Mexico Fire Fighters & Peace Officers Survivors Scholarship
This scholarship provides an opportunity for a college education to survivors of New Mexico fire fighters and peace officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Tuition, room and board at a New Mexico public research university
September 1
NM
ND Surviving Dependents of POW/MIA Veterans
NDUS colleges and universities may offer partial to full waivers of tuition to surviving dependents of veterans who died of service-related causes, were prisoners of war, have 100% service-connected disability, or who were declared missing in action.
Tuition
Not Stated
ND
North Dakota Front Line Workers Waiver
NDUS colleges and universities may offer partial to full waivers of tuition to surviving spouse and children of firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, and peace officers who died as a result of injuries received in the line of duty.
Tuition
Not Stated
ND
Ohio Safety Officers College Memorial Fund
This program provides tuition assistance to dependents of peace officers, fire fighters, certain other safety officers, and members of the armed services of the U.S. in combat zones, who have been killed in the line of duty.
Tuition and fees at an OH school
Not Stated
OH
Texas Mutual Scholarship
The Texas Mutual scholarship program provides tuition assistance to the children and/or spouse of a person who was employed by a Texas Mutual policyholder and died as a result of a compensable work-related accident.
Up to $6,600 per year
Fall: June 30; Spring: Oct 31
TX
River Rats Scholarship Program
The Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (RRVA) scholarship provides tuition assistance to the child, grandchild or spouse of a RRVA member who was killed or missing in action during combat or killed as the result of performing aircrew duties.
Varies
April 1
Any
Texas Surviving Spouse and Children of Deceased Veterans of the US Armed Forces or Texas National Guard
The Hazlewood Act provides an education benefit at Texas public institutions to the spouse or child of a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Texas National Guard who died, became disabled or is missing or killed in action.
Up to 150 hours of tuition exemption
Not Stated
TX
Texas Surviving Spouse and Children of Certain Deceased Public Servants (Employees)
Texas institutions of higher education waive tuition for eligible survivors of the following public servants: peace officers; probation officers; parole officers; jailers; correctional employees; emergency medical service workers; fire fighters; certain chaplains; certain employees of the Parks and Wildlife Department, the Department of Aging and Disability Services or Department of State Health Services.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
TX
Vermont Armed Services Scholarship
This program provides free tuition for the families of Vermont National Guard or U.S. active reserve or active armed services members who have died while on active or inactive duty.
Tuition
Rolling
VT
Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program
This program provides educational assistance for Virginia spouses or children of veterans who served in the armed forces of the U.S. and are disabled, or deceased due to war or other armed conflict or listed as a POW or MIA.
Tuition & fees
Fall: July 1; Spring: Nov 1; Summer: April 1
VA
Alabama G.I. Dependent Scholarship Program
This scholarship benefits dependents of Alabama residents in the military who were killed, disabled, POW or MIA in the line of duty.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
AL
Free Tuition Waiver for Family Members of Alaska Residents Who Died in the Line of Duty
Spouses and dependents of armed service members who were Alaska residents and died in the line of duty, or are listed as a POW, are entitled to a waiver of all undergraduate tuition and fees through the University of Alaska system.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
AK
Arizona Tuition Waiver Scholarship Program
The State of Arizona supports Arizona veterans wounded in action or injured in the line of duty, and dependents of Service Members killed in the line of duty with a tuition-free education through Tuition Waiver scholarships at Arizona schools
Tuition
Not Stated
AZ
California College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any California state school for the dependents of California veterans who died, were disabled, POW or MIA in the line of service.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
CA
Connecticut Veteran Tuition Waiver
State statutes waive tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities for any CT resident who is a dependent child or surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces killed in action or a dependent child of a person declared to be either MIA or a POW.
Tuition
Not Stated
CT
Louisiana Title 29 Education Benefit
Louisiana offers educational benefits for children, spouses and surviving spouses of veterans who meet certain requirements. For deceased veterans, surviving spouses and children are eligible.
Tuition & select fees
Not Stated
LA
Minnesota Surviving Children and Spouses Education Benefit
The Surviving Children and Spouses Education Benefit is provided to Minnesota spouses and children whose Veteran spouse or parent died while on active duty, or from a service-connected condition
Tuition & fees
Rolling
MN
Nebraska Waiver of Tuition Program
This Nebraska state program waives 100% of a student’s tuition charges and tuition-related fees to Nebraska state schools for dependents of an eligible veteran, who died or was disabled in service or is a POW or MIA.
Tuition
Not Stated
NE
Nevada National Guard Fee Waiver for Children and Spouse
The children and spouse of a person who was killed while performing duties as a member of the Nevada National Guard are also eligible to register for courses without a registration fee, including certain laboratory fees.
Tuition & lab fees
Not Stated
NV
New Jersey National Guard Tuition Program
New Jersey provides tuition free enrollment in public institutions of higher education for qualifying members, surviving spouses and children of NJ National Guard Soldiers and Airmen.
Tuition
Not Stated
NJ
Oregon Tuition Waiver for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans
Oregon waives tuition for family members of deceased or disabled veterans or children of Purple Heart recipients.
Tuition
Not Stated
OR
South Dakota Free Tuition for Dependents of Veterans
South Dakota provides free tuition at a state supported school to spouses and children of veterans listed as POW or MIA and National Guard members disabled or deceased in the line of duty, as well as to children of veterans who died in the line of duty.
Tuition
Not Stated
SD
Tennessee Dependents Tuition Waiver
Tennessee provides free tuition and fees to any State supported schools to the children and spouse of a TN member of the Armed Forces who was killed or died as a direct result of injuries received or officially reported as being a POW or MIA.
Tuition & fees
Not Stated
TN
The Gold Star Peak, Inc. Remembrance Scholarship Fund
The scholarship was founded in 2019 in honor of all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The scholarship is dedicated to Gold Star Family Members and Veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
Not Stated
May 15
Any
Veterans United Foundation Scholarship
The Veterans United Foundation Scholarship creates opportunities for family members of deceased service members and disabled veterans to achieve their educational dreams.
Tuition, books, fees, school materials and some aspects of room and board
April 30
Any
Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program
The Roadway Worker Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial assistance for post-high school education to dependents of roadway workers killed or permanently disabled in work zone incidents.
Up to $10,000
TBD
Any
Minnesota Public Safety Officers’ Survivor Grant
The Public Safety Officer’s Survivor Grant provides educational benefits to dependent children and the surviving spouse of a public safety officer killed in the line of duty on or after January 1, 1973.
Tuition & fees up to $17,717
TBD
MN
Arkansas Heroes Scholarship
This scholarship is available to certain U.S. Armed Forces spouses and dependents, dependents of law enforcement or heroic state personnel who suffered fatal injury or permanent disability.
Tuition, housing & fees
Not Stated
AR
Maine Tuition Waiver Program (Public Servant)
Children or spouses of Maine firefighters, law enforcement officers, or emergency medical services providers killed in the line of duty may receive a tuition waiver to a participating Maine public college/university.
Tuition
Rolling
ME
Nevada POW/MIA Benefits for Children and Spouse
The children and spouse of a member of the Armed Forces who was permanently stationed in Nevada and identified as a POW or declared MIA are eligible to register for courses without a registration fee, including certain laboratory fees.
Tuition & lab fees
Not Stated
NV
The Cindy Kimbrell Scholarship
Sweetgrass Pediatrics awards annually The Cindy Kimbrell Scholarship to an individual with a parent or immediate family member who has had cancer or who has personally had it themselves.
$2,000
March 16
Any
Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a college student with the top video or written essay on how their life was impacted by cancer (does not need to be mesothelioma).
$2,500
July 9
Any
National Excellence in Academics & Community Service Award
This scholarship is awarded to an individual who is a brain tumor patient/survivor or closely related to someone with a brain tumor and entering or currently enrolled in an advanced educational program at a US college, university or vocational school.
$2,500
February 1
Any
Mesothelioma.com Scholarship
The Mesothelioma.com Scholarship awards $4,000 annually to one student whose life has been impacted by any type of cancer in their pursuit of higher education.
$4,000
March 31
Any
The John Foy & Associates “Strong Arm” Leukemia Scholarship
Our $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to one undergraduate or graduate student who has battled leukemia or whose life has been affected by it.
$1,000
October 15
Any
Fallen Heroes Fund
The Community Foundation of West Texas has established the Fallen Heroes Fund to assist with educational expenses of dependent survivors of service men and women and first responders who have died on active duty since September 11, 2001.
Up to the cost of a 4-year degree at Texas Tech University
February 1
TX
The Graydon and Myrth Fox Scholarship
This scholarship assists wounded Veterans who have served honorably in the US Armed Forces or are still serving on active duty, or the spouse, child or grandchild of a Veteran who was killed or wounded due to a service-related circumstance.
$1,000 – $5,000
March 13
Any
Minority Single Mother Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support deserving single mothers who struggle to afford to pursue their dreams without financial help.
$3,750
May 23
Any
Law Family Single Parent Scholarship
Any single parent in Kentucky or Indiana who is pursuing their education may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but minority students are preferred.
$5,000
April 10
KY, IN
Organic Formula Shop Single Parent Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to support a single mother or a father and give college students a chance to earn cash towards their education.
$2,000
May 9
Any
M.R. Brooks Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to make higher education more accessible for LGBTQ+ single parents or the children of LGBTQ+ single parents.
$1,000
June 30
Any
Jill S. Tolley Scholarship
This scholarship aims to support single mothers so they can overcome the obstacles they face and complete their college degrees.
$500
July 5
Any
SuperDad Scholarship
This scholarship seeks to support single dads with resources that promote their children’s success, strengthen their families, and help build legacies that last for generations.
$1,000
June 29
Any
Live Your Dream Scholarship
Live Your Dream awards scholarships to single mothers in Utah, ranging from $500-$3,000. They can be used at any university, college, or technical school.
$500 – $3,000
Fall: April 10; Winter/Spring: Nov 1
UT
NEW! Bessie Mathew Foundation Employee Assistance Program
The Bessie Mathew Foundation wants to ensure that women impacted by cancer are able to pursue their educational goals or that of their family.
