Applications for the 2025-2026 application year are now available through April 30, 2025. See below for the eligibility criteria and a link to the application.
This program, also known as the Hap Arnold Grant, is the centerpiece of the AFAS education support. The application process for the Arnold Grant serves as a platform for other key education support opportunities at the Society, including the Merit Scholarship program, and Interest-free Supplemental loan program.
The Hap Arnold grant is uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education costs.
Award amounts vary each year based on the number of applicants, total approved grant budget, applicant’s Student Aid Index (SAI) from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and cost of attendance at a college or university approved by the Department of Education. The specific amount awarded correlates to a student’s particular level of financial need.
Please review the eligibility criteria and documents below before starting an application to ensure you qualify.
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is April 30, 2025.
Eligibility Criteria
Children of U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force members in the following categories:
- Active Duty, Title 10 Reserve and Guard on extended active duty, and Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty through December 1 of the academic year.
- Retired due to length of active duty service or disability.
- Retired AGR/Reserve with 20+ satisfactory service years creditable for retired pay and placed on the Air Force or Space Force Reserve Retired List (no other retired classifications are considered eligible).
- Deceased member who died while on active duty or in retired status.
Children must not reach age 24 during the award year.
Spouses of U.S. Air Force or U.S. Space Force members in the following categories:
- Active Duty, Title 10 Reserve and Guard on extended active duty, and Title 32 Guard performing full-time active duty through December 1 of the academic year.
- Surviving spouses of Air Force and Space Force members who died while on active duty or in retired status.
Spouses must be legally married to the member (not separated or pending divorce) at the time of application and disbursement of award.
All applicants must:
- Be a high school graduate enrolled or accepted as a full-time undergraduate student in the upcoming academic year.
- Be enrolled or accepted in an accredited college, university or vocational/trade school approved by the U.S. Department of Education for participation in federal aid programs.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and remain in good standing with the school.
- Not be a graduate or professional student.
- Not be a veteran or a member of the National Guard, Reserves or other military branch.
- Be considered a dependent of the Airman/Guardian for federal student aid purposes.
How to Apply
Click Here to apply for the 2025-2026 General Henry H. Arnold Grant.
If you need assistance, please contact the Education Department at or (703) 972-2647. The fastest response method is via email communication.