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Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) Scholarship

U.S. Coast Guard (Department of Homeland Security)

Check datesService scholarshipRenews each year
The catch: Serve a 4-year enlistment, then 3 years of active duty as a Coast Guard officer after OCS; repayment terms are on the official page.

Tuition, books, and fees paid plus active-duty pay (E-3) and healthcare for college juniors and seniors who become Coast Guard officers

How much
tuition, books, and fees paid annually + E-3 active-duty pay and healthcare
Who qualifies
  • College juniors and seniors with academic and leadership excellence. Age 19-27 on Sept 30 of the fiscal year the selection panel meets. Single: no primary-custody dependents; married: no more than two dependents besides spouse. Must meet commissioning physical standards incl. normal color vision. GPA, education, test score, and other program-specific requirements are listed as 'Under review' on the official page.
  • For undergrads
  • U.S. citizen
When to apply
Check dates Not stated on the official page; contact a recruiter
How to apply
Talk to a Coast Guard recruiter and apply through gocoastguard.com
Last checked
October 23, 2026, against the official page (gocoastguard.com) and page 2
Go to the official page →Sign in to save

The details

CSPI scholars enlist as active-duty Officer Trainees (E-3 pay grade, with salary and healthcare) and stay at their university as full-time students, with tuition, books, and fees paid every year. You go to boot camp the first summer, report to a recruiting office during breaks and four hours a week during classes, and train with operational units on longer breaks. After graduation, you attend the 12-week Officer Candidate School and are commissioned as an Ensign (O-1). Commitment: four-year enlisted contract; after OCS, three years of active duty as an officer. Every Coast Guard officer career path is open.

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