Douglas J.J. Peters Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq Conflicts Scholarship (VAIC)
Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), Office of Student Financial Assistance
Up to $9,189 a year (living on campus) for Afghanistan/Iraq-era veterans and service members and their children, stepchildren and spouses at Maryland colleges.
- How much
- Up to $9,189 per year on campus; $5,756 off campus; $5,186 living with parents
- Who qualifies
- Veteran, active-duty, reserve or Maryland National Guard member who served in the Afghanistan or Iraq conflicts, or their child, stepchild or spouse
- Maryland resident (includes active-duty families stationed in Maryland). Full-time or part-time (6+ credits) undergraduate or transferable certificate program at an eligible Maryland institution.
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Opens later Annual; opens January 15, closes October 15 (2026-27: Jan 15 - Oct 15, 2026). Ranked by application completion date.
- How to apply
- Apply through the MHEC One-App in MDCAPS and upload proof of service in Afghanistan/Iraq (DD-214 or military orders) plus a birth or marriage certificate for children and spouses
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 20, 2026, against the official page (mhec.maryland.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
For U.S. armed forces members who served in Afghanistan (on/after Oct 24, 2001) or Iraq (on/after Mar 19, 2003) or contiguous areas, including veterans, active-duty members, and activated reserve or Maryland National Guard members, and their sons, daughters, stepchildren or spouses. Must be a Maryland resident (active-duty members and families stationed in or with home of residency in Maryland count) accepted or enrolled full- or part-time (6+ credits) in an undergraduate program or transferable 2-year certificate program at an eligible Maryland institution. Award up to 50% of USM's highest resident tuition, fees, room and board: up to $9,189 on campus, $5,756 off campus, $5,186 living with parents. Supplements federal military education benefits; total aid can't exceed cost of attendance. Priority: renewals, then veterans over dependents/spouses, then by application completion date. Renewable without reapplying for up to 4 years full-time or 8 years part-time. If you choose to file a FAFSA/One-App it must be by March 1.
More money from Maryland
- Delegate Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access (GA) GrantUp to 100% of financial need; maximum $18,000 for 2026-27 (minimum $100)
- Delegate Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$200 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Senatorial Scholarship (Maryland legislative scholarship)$400 to $14,086 for 2026-27
- Graduate & Professional Scholarship Program$1,000 to $5,000 per year
- Maryland Community College Promise ScholarshipUp to $5,000 per year (remaining tuition and mandatory fees after other aid)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: District of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.