Scholarship update: Since the FAFSA documentation is delayed this year, if you have an older copy of the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC) document you may use it to complete your application. If you are an incoming freshman and do not have an EFC from 2023-24, then please provide proof you have submitted your application to FAFSA. However, be advised that if you are awarded the scholarship, you will still need to provide the new FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) document when you submit a claim for your scholarship money, and the new SAI may significantly affect your award amount.

 

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 2024-25 tuition is capped at $27,120.05 which is the maximum amount the VA will pay out per academic year. https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/post-9-11-gi-bill-rates/#how-much-of-the-full-benefit-r

WHO

Children of U.S. military members who died while on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

Children 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

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.

WHEN

The application deadline is NO LATER THAN Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Scholarship awards must be used before August 1, 2025. After administrative review and approval, scholarship recipients will be notified of their scholarship award between May 10 and May 20, 2024, via the email used on the application. Please check spam/junk folders if you do not see an email by late May.

 

Eligibility and Required Application Materials

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
  • Official (Form DD1300) military death certificate
  • FAFSA Summary showing Expected Family Contribution
  • 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
  • Breakdown of all education-related expenses to include but not limited to tuition, fees, books, program costs, meal plan, housing and transportation
  • High school senior or high school graduate currently accepted or attending an accredited institution of higher education within the United States

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
  • Official disability rating paperwork from VA
  • FAFSA Summary showing Expected Family Contribution
  • 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
  • Breakdown of all education-related expenses to include but not limited to tuition, fees, books, program costs, meal plan, housing and transportation
  • High school senior or high school graduate currently accepted or attending an accredited institution of higher education within the United States

 

Deadline:

All applications new or renewal must be submitted using the online scholarship submission system beginning January 1 and NO LATER THAN Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

 

Access the online Legacy Scholarship application here

 

2023 American Legion Legacy Scholarship Information

Total number of scholarships awarded in 2023: 321
Total amount of scholarship funds awarded in 2023: $1,484,122*
Total number of scholarships awarded since inception: 825
Total amount of scholarship funds awarded since inception: $6,246,842*

*subject to final audit

Download the 2022 Legacy Scholarship Annual Report


Frequently Asked Questions and More Information

This information may be updated throughout the year to reflect any changes or to add additional information.