San Diego State University Military Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by San Diego State University

Description What this covers

Students who use federal or state Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits — such as the GI Bill or CalVet Fee Waiver — may also qualify for institutional financial aid at San Diego State University. That aid can be awarded in addition to or instead of VA benefits, allowing military-connected students to preserve VA entitlement for future education. The program includes grants, scholarships, fee waivers and other campus-based aid designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Coordination between the VA certification process and the Student Financial Center ensures awards are applied correctly.

Key takeaways:

• VA recipients can often receive SDSU financial aid alongside VA benefits.
• Aid can be used to conserve VA entitlement for future use.
• Types of aid include scholarships, grants, and fee waivers.
• Coordination with VA certification is required to avoid double-payment.

Eligibility Who qualifies

Eligibility generally covers military-connected students: veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and qualifying dependents using federal or state VA education benefits. Specific awards may have additional criteria (e.g., academic standing, major, enrollment intensity). Students must complete the standard financial aid processes (FAFSA or state alternatives) and provide VA benefit documentation when requested. Some campus scholarships target particular subgroups within the military-affiliated population.

Key takeaways:

• Primary eligibility: students using federal/state VA education benefits.
• Additional criteria vary by scholarship or grant.
• FAFSA (or state alternative) and VA documentation are typically required.
• Check each award for any program-specific requirements.

Application

Timeline How to apply

Apply for institutional aid by completing the FAFSA (or relevant state application), and for scholarships use the SDSU Aztec Scholarships portal. Scholarship cycles and institutional aid packaging have distinct deadlines — apply early and confirm dates on the Student Financial Center and Aztec Scholarships webpages. Allow extra time for VA certification; coordinate submission of enrollment certifications with the VA Certifying Official to prevent delays. Review deadlines each academic year, as timing can change.

Key takeaways:

• Submit FAFSA/state application as early as possible.
• Apply to Aztec Scholarships for campus-specific awards.
• Coordinate VA certification with the Student Financial Center.
• Confirm scholarship and aid deadlines annually.

Award

Value What awards cover

Award amounts vary widely: institutional grants and scholarships can cover part or all of tuition and fees, and some awards may offset living expenses. Fee waivers such as CalVet reduce or eliminate campus fees, while other scholarships are fixed-dollar awards or endowed funds. Financial aid packaging will account for reported VA benefits so total financial support does not exceed cost-of-attendance rules. Exact award values and eligibility depend on individual financial need, program rules, and available funds.

Key takeaways:

• Award amounts range from partial to full coverage depending on the program.
• Fee waivers can directly reduce campus fees; scholarships may be fixed amounts.
• VA benefits are considered in packaging to comply with regulations.
• Final award amounts depend on need, eligibility, and fund availability.

Scholarships

Available Examples at SDSU

SDSU maintains a number of military-focused scholarships in addition to general campus awards. Notable examples include the Dan Gomes Veterans Alumni Organization Endowed Scholarship, Delbert F. Harrison Veterans Endowed Scholarship, Jack McGrory Veterans Scholarship, Sinegal Veterans Scholarship, SDSU Veterans Scholarship, and others listed through the Aztec Scholarships program. Students should review the full Aztec Scholarships listings for eligibility details, award amounts, and application requirements. Many scholarships are endowed and renew on an annual basis.

Key takeaways:

• SDSU offers multiple named veterans’ scholarships through Aztec Scholarships.
• Examples: Dan Gomes, Delbert F. Harrison, Jack McGrory, Sinegal, and more.
• Check Aztec Scholarships for full descriptions and application steps.
• Some awards may be renewable; confirm renewal conditions.

Reporting Income and Benefits (Including Dependents) What to report

Students must accurately report VA education benefits and other household income on financial aid applications. Reported VA benefits can affect need-based aid calculations, so timely updates are critical if benefit amounts change. Dependents may qualify for certain VA-dependent benefits and should be included in household information where applicable. Keep documentation on hand (award letters, benefit statements) to verify reported amounts when requested.

Key takeaways:

• Always report VA benefits and other income on FAFSA or state forms.
• Changes in benefits should be updated promptly to the financial aid office.
• Dependent status affects both financial aid calculations and dependent benefits.
• Maintain documentation to support reported amounts.

Active

Military

Service and

Loan

Deferment Loan protections for active-duty service

Active-duty service members may be eligible for federal student loan deferment, forbearance, or special protections under Servicemembers Civil Relief Act or Department of Education rules. To request deferment or other assistance, contact your loan servicer and provide military orders or other required documentation. The Student Financial Center can advise on how deferment affects overall financial aid and repayment schedules. Taking action early helps preserve borrower protections and avoid delinquency.

Key takeaways:

• Active-duty status can qualify borrowers for deferment and special protections.
• Notify your loan servicer and provide official military documentation.
• Consult the Student Financial Center for academic and repayment implications.
• Act early to secure benefits and avoid missed payments.

Resources and

Next

Steps Where to get help

For detailed guidance, visit the Student Financial Center main page and the SDSU Aztec Scholarships portal. Contact the VA Certifying Official for benefit certification and the Financial Aid office for packaging questions and application assistance. Keep copies of FAFSA submissions, VA award letters, and scholarship applications for reference. If uncertain about interactions between VA benefits and campus aid, schedule an appointment with the Student Financial Center.

Key takeaways:

• Primary resources: Student Financial Center and Aztec Scholarships webpages.
• Contact the VA Certifying Official for benefit certification.
• Save all financial aid and VA documents.
• Schedule appointments for personalized assistance.

History of

Veteran

Awards at

SDSU Origins and development

SDSU’s veteran-focused scholarships and endowed funds have been established over time through alumni donations, community organizations, and campus initiatives to support military-connected students. Many named scholarships reflect local veterans’ contributions or organizational partnerships and have grown into recurring endowed awards. The campus continues to expand offerings and refine processes to better serve veterans and their families. Check Aztec Scholarships for historical notes and fund origins where available.

Key takeaways:

• Veteran scholarships at SDSU originated from alumni and community support.
• Many awards are endowed and recur annually.
• Program offerings have evolved to meet changing veteran needs.
• Aztec Scholarships may include background on specific fund origins.