freshIf you’re a veteran or a family member using VA education benefits and you’re interested in studying science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM), you may qualify for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.
This scholarship can provide additional funding for your education after your GI Bill benefits run out.
In this post, I will break down what the scholarship is, who is eligible, how much you can get, how to apply, and answer common questions.
What Is the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship?
The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefit that provides up to 9 additional months (or a maximum of $30,000) of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to students who are enrolled in qualifying STEM degree programs.
It was named in honor of Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, a strong advocate for veterans and one of the first women to serve in the U.S. Congress. The scholarship aims to encourage veterans to pursue careers in STEM—fields that are high in demand and critical to the nation’s growth.
Why Was This Scholarship Created?
STEM degrees often take longer to complete than other degrees. That means students using the Post-9/11 GI Bill may run out of benefits before finishing their program. The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship was created to bridge that gap and help cover those extra months of education.
By supporting veterans and eligible family members through this scholarship, the VA is helping create more opportunities in high-tech, high-demand industries.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
You must be:
- A veteran or dependent (such as a child or spouse) using Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) or Fry Scholarship benefits.
- Currently enrolled in or accepted to an undergraduate STEM degree program that requires more than the standard 120 semester credit hours (or equivalent).
- Within 180 days of exhausting your GI Bill benefits or have run out of them completely.
Your degree program must be in an approved STEM field, including but not limited to:
- Biological or Biomedical Sciences
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Engineering
- Health Professions (e.g., Clinical or Medical Lab Science)
- Mathematics or Statistics
- Physical Sciences (e.g., Chemistry, Physics)
- Certain education or teaching degrees focused on STEM subjects
A full list of approved STEM programs is available on the VA website.
How Much Money Can You Receive?
The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship offers:
- Up to 9 months of additional GI Bill benefits OR
- Up to $30,000, whichever comes first
This includes:
- Tuition and fees
- Housing allowance (if applicable)
- Book stipend
It’s important to note that you won’t receive a new Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Instead, the benefits will be added to your current record and tracked by the VA.
How to Apply for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
Here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Make sure you’re using the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship and are in an eligible STEM program that takes longer than a traditional four-year degree.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You’ll need:
- Your school’s VA Certifying Official’s contact info
- Your VA benefits usage history
- Your degree plan or transcript
Step 3: Apply Online
Go to the official VA application portal for the STEM scholarship:
The application is pretty straightforward, but make sure to enter accurate information and keep copies for your records.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
The VA will review your application and notify you of the outcome. You’ll be informed via email or mail about how much additional funding you’re eligible for.
Pros and Cons of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
Pros
- Additional funding when GI Bill runs out
- Helps you finish a longer STEM degree
- Supports in-demand careers
- May be used for certain teaching degrees focused on STEM
Cons
- Only available to students in specific degree programs
- Capped at $30,000 or 9 months
- You must exhaust or nearly exhaust your GI Bill benefits first
Tips to Maximize Your STEM Scholarship
- Plan your degree path carefully: If you’re close to finishing your GI Bill, time your STEM application so there’s no gap in funding.
- Talk to your school’s VA certifying official: They can help verify your degree qualifies.
- Keep your grades up: Staying in good academic standing ensures you don’t lose eligibility.
- Track your benefit usage: Knowing how much of your GI Bill remains will help you apply at the right time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use this scholarship for a Master’s or PhD program?
No. The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is only for undergraduate degree programs that require more than 120 credit hours.
2. What happens if I don’t use all of the $30,000?
The unused portion does not roll over or get refunded. It only applies while you’re in an approved program and need coverage.
3. Can I use this scholarship for online courses?
Yes, as long as your program is VA-approved and meets the STEM criteria.
4. What if I already completed a STEM degree?
You may still qualify if you’re pursuing an additional degree in an eligible field or are using your benefits for a STEM teaching certification.
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