Freedom Scholarship
Exclusively for American Veterans
Private funding for a classical liberal arts education
Hillsdale offers veterans a unique opportunity to receive private funding for their bachelor’s degree, with benefits that may even exceed those available through the GI Bill. Hillsdale doesn’t accept any government funding, even in the form of federal grants (such as the GI Bill) or loans. To do so would result in a regulatory burden that would necessarily compromise the College’s principles. Instead, Hillsdale raises private monies to protect its independence and to provide for the education of students who, like us, believe in the pursuit of truth and the defense of liberty.
Hillsdale Military
Audrey Gray
Class of 2014
Marine Corps
Watch Video of Audrey Gray discussing the Freedom Scholarship
Freedom Scholarship Recipients
First preference for freedom scholarship funds is given to veterans of any branch of the United States military and can provide for costs relating to tuition, room, board, fees, and books at Hillsdale College.
Contingent upon fund availability and verified eligibility (in the form of a Certificate of Eligibility from the Office of Veterans Affairs), some scholarship may be awarded to the children of veterans who are eligible for Post-911 GI Bill Funds.
An education in enduring truths.
The classical liberal arts education at Hillsdale will allow you to study things that matter and have for centuries: the good, the true, and the beautiful. Private citizens have contributed to the Freedom Scholarship because they believe in the lasting importance of such an education, and the asset it will become to men and women who have served our country honorably.
An Honor Code for all students.
Hillsdale is an institution with a rich and patriotic history. It was founded by men and women “grateful to God for the inestimable blessings resulting from the prevalence of civil and religious liberty and intelligent piety in the land.” All students sign an Honor Code committing themselves to honor, honesty, duty, and respect. The College is consistently ranked among the nation’s best for academic quality, and graduates leave equipped not only for vocational pursuit, but for the broader work of living virtuously.
“I learned in the Marines that if I really wanted to do well, then all I had to do was put in the work. It gave me a really deep appreciation for learning.”
Greg Woodard, ’20 | Marine Corps
“I learned in the Marines that if I really wanted to do well, then all I had to do was put in the work. It gave me a really deep appreciation for learning.”
Greg Woodard, ’20 | Marine Corps
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for the Freedom Scholarship?
Veterans who have served honorably have earned the opportunity to apply for consideration. If you are admitted to Hillsdale, we’ll ask you to submit a copy of your DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and use it to reach a determination on the amount of financial assistance to be granted.
How do I apply?
You’ll follow the usual application process to the Hillsdale undergraduate program, being sure to reference your years of military service in your file. In addition to two required letters of recommendation from academic / civilian references, you’ll be asked to submit a Commanding Officer Endorsement and your last two performance evaluations. An interview is also required. If you’re later admitted, a copy of your DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty will be a part of your financial aid consideration process.
Do I need an ACT/SAT score to apply?
While you can further demonstrate academic preparedness by supplementing your application file with an official ACT, CLT, or SAT score, you may also choose to apply without a standardized test score. Application files with standardized test scores and those without will receive equal consideration.
Do you offer online degrees/courses?
All Hillsdale courses are currently taken in residence on the Hillsdale campus. No for-credit coursework is available online at this time.
Will you award credit for my military experience?
Your military experience is an advantage to you in the application process, but will not result in any transfer of academic credit, which can only be made on an official transcript from an accredited college or university.
Will I live on campus?
Veterans will not typically live in traditional student residence halls, but in special housing near campus that allows them to enjoy the camaraderie and support of other veterans. Veterans with spouses or children can petition the Deans for off-campus permissions of their own.
What happens to my GI Bill?
When you’re awarded a Hillsdale Freedom Scholarship, no funds from your GI Bill will be utilized. You’ll retain the benefit, and depending upon the duration and years of your service, you may be able to use it to fund an advanced degree, or later to help a family member with their education.
Who, exactly, is funding the scholarships?
The Freedom Scholarship is funded by private citizens—donors to Hillsdale College—who believe in Hillsdale’s educational Mission and in the potential of Hillsdale College graduates, and are grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military.
Are scholarships for veterans also available at the graduate level?
Yes, scholarships are also available for veterans interested in pursuing a graduate degree from Hillsdale College. Please reference the websites for the Van Andel Graduate School of Statesmanship, Van Andel Graduate School of Government , and the Diana Davis Spencer Graduate School of Classical Education for more information. The graduate application process for veterans is the same as for any other graduate applicant, but you’ll want to be sure to indicate your military service at the appropriate point on the application form. If admitted, you’ll need to submit a copy of your DD214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
Questions?
Please phone or email Admissions and we’ll be glad to help.