Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation announces record-breaking year

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has provided the largest number of scholarships and the highest dollar amount ever awarded in one year in its more than 60-year history.

For the 2024-2025 academic year, MCSF will award $11.7 million in scholarships to 2,882 children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen nationwide — 124 more students than the previous academic year.

“We're proud to announce another record-breaking number of scholars for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation this year. Guided by the principles of honor, courage and commitment, we're certain these remarkable young individuals, as children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen, hold immense promise. It's both a privilege and a duty to invest in their future," said retired Marine Lt. Col. Ted Probert, current President and CEO of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

MCSF’s scholarship recipients are top-tier scholars, with a 91 percent graduation rate, which is well above the national average of just 54 percent. The recipients also hold an average GPA of 3.43, compared to 3.15 nationally. Further, 48 percent of recipients are first-generation college students, and 7 percent pursue STEM degrees and 67 percent of MCSF scholarship recipients graduate with little to no debt, compared to the national average of 33 percent. All of the applicants who meet MCSF’s eligibility requirements receive a scholarship to further support their education.

"Our work isn't complete until every eligible child of a Marine has the opportunity they deserve,” added Probert. “With nearly 20,000 potential candidates nationwide, we're resolute in our mission to extend support to even more families in the years ahead."

Founded in 1962, MCSF is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships for military children. Since its inception, it has awarded nearly 60,000 renewable scholarships valued at over $200 million.

Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com .