Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts (VAIC) Scholarship Program

2018-2019 Application Available Now in MDCAPS (Maryland College Aid Processing System).

WHO MAY APPLY

The Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship Program is designed to provide financial assistance to United States armed forces personnel who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, and their sons, daughters, or spouses who are current high school seniors, and full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible accredited Maryland postsecondary institution.

​HOW TO APPLY

Applicants for the scholarship must submit the Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship application, by March 1, online at https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us(application instructions below), with all required supporting documentation, which includes:

  • A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filed by March 1 each year;
  • If a son or daughter of a veteran, a birth certificate showing the names of both parents;
  • If a spouse of a veteran, a marriage certificate;
  • Documentation of Chapter 33/Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits
  • Documentation of military orders:
  • United States Armed Forces – Active Duty: copy of current official military orders: documentation of service in Afghanistan/Iraq
  • United States Armed Forces – Veteran: copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
  • United States Armed Forces – Reserve Component: copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)
  • Maryland National Guard: copy of Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD-214)

Note: DD214 form must include dates served and where served (Afghanistan/Iraq or contiguous waters or air space).  If information is not on DD214, other official documentation must be provided with dates and places as listed above.

WHEN TO APPLY  

Complete and file the Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship application (instructions below), all supplemental documents, and a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.

APPLICATION

The 2018-2019 application is now available. To apply, please apply through the MD CAPS system at: https://mdcaps.mhec.state.md.us  New users will be required to create a user ID and password.  You will then be sent an email with an activation link.  You MUST activate your account prior to logging in to your account  You will then be able to apply online for programs, as well as check the status of your application.

ELIGIBLE MAJORS

All undergraduate majors are eligible.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Uniformed Services Members of the United States who served in Afghanistan, or contiguous air space as defined in federal regulations, on or after October 24, 2001, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Defense; or in Iraq, or contiguous waters or air space as defined in federal regulations, on or after March 19, 2003, and before a terminal date to be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Defense, may apply for a scholarship if they are:

  • A veteran who served at least 60 days in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, as defined above;
  • An active duty member of the Armed Forces who served at least 60 days in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts, as defined above;
  • A member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Maryland National Guard who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts and served at least 60 days, as defined above; or
  • a son, daughter, or spouse of:
  • a veteran or active duty member of the Armed Forces who is serving or has served in the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts at least 60 days, as defined above; or
  • a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces or Maryland National Guard who was activated as a result of the Afghanistan or Iraq Conflicts and served at least 60 days, as defined above.

Applicants must be residents of Maryland, must be accepted for admission or enrolled in a regular undergraduate program at an eligible Maryland institution, or be accepted for admission or enrolled in a 2-year terminal certificate program in which the course work is acceptable for transfer credit for an accredited baccalaureate program at an eligible Maryland institution.  Students must be enrolled as either a full-time (12+ credits per semester) or part-time (6-11 credits per semester) undergraduate student.

Note: Residents of Maryland include active members of the United States Armed Forces, their spouses and their dependent children who are stationed in the State of Maryland or whose home of residency is Maryland.

AWARD AMOUNT

The award amount may not exceed 50% of the annual tuition and mandatory fees and room & board of a resident undergraduate at the four-year public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, other than the University of Maryland University College and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with the highest annual expenses for a full-time resident undergraduate.

2017-2018 Maximum Award Amounts

On Campus: up to $7,029
With Parents: up to $4,418
Off Campus: up to $4,998

Award amounts are tentative and may be adjusted based on verification of Veterans Educational Benefits received under Chapter 33/Post 9/11 GI Bill.

NOTE: Awards are subject to the availability of funds.

Scholarships awarded under this program shall supplement any federal education benefits for which a recipient qualifies as a result of an individual’s military service or status as a dependent of a member of the armed forces or of a veteran of the armed forces. The funds may be used at any eligible Maryland institution to pay for educational expenses including tuition and mandatory fees, and room and board.

The total dollar amount of all State awards, may not exceed your cost of attendance as determined by your school’s financial aid office or $19,000, whichever is less.  Funds may not be available to award all eligible students.  The total amount of financial assistance that you receive, including State aid and Veteran’s Educational Benefits, may not exceed your cost of attendance, as determined by your institution.

AWARD SELECTION

Awards are made annually, with renewal applicants given first priority.  Eligible applicants who are veterans shall be given priority over dependent children or spouses. Within priority groups, applicants will be ranked according to application complete date.  Eligible applicants who receive the Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship will be notified of the award in writing.  In order to accept an award, a recipient must provide the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) with a written acceptance of the award. OSFA may not award an initial scholarship to an eligible applicant after June 30, 2020.  OSFA may renew a scholarship after June 30, 2020, if the individual received an initial scholarship before that date.

RENEWING AN AWARD

Awards may be held for up to five years of full-time (12+ credits per semester) or eight years of part-time (6-11 credits per semester) attendance if the recipient files a FAFSA by March 1 each year; continues to be a Maryland resident; is enrolled on at least a part-time basis (6-11 credits per semester) in an eligible program at a Maryland postsecondary institution; maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; and, continues to meet all other eligibility requirements. Audited courses cannot be used to reach the minimum credit hours required for full-time or part-time status.

Download the 2018-2019 VAIC Conditions of Award (PDF)​

Download the 2018-2019 VAIC Conditions of Award Renewal (PDF)​​