Update 3/1/2024: The Department of Veterans Affairs has modified its official site to help expedite applications like the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. VA.gov advises all applicants to sign in via ID.me, MyHealtheVet, DS Logon, or Login.gov before completing application forms.
This is because the system has been modified to allow the VA to auto-fill some portions of the form based on your account details and save your work in progress for later completion (saved for up to 60 days.)
What is the Nourse STEM Scholarship?
The VA official site describes the Nourse STEM Scholarship as a Department of Veterans Affairs education benefit offering up to nine months or $30 thousand in benefits related to getting degrees in a STEM field.
This is a non-transferable benefit, unlike the Post 9/11 GI Bill. You are typically unable to use the Rogers funds along with Yellow Ribbon funding.
Read more: How to Transfer Your Post 9/11 GI Bill to a Spouse or Dependent
Who Qualifies for a Rogers STEM Scholarship?
You may qualify for the Rogers STEM scholarship if at least one of the following applies to you:
- You are currently in an undergraduate STEM degree program, OR;
- You are in a qualifying dual-degree program, OR;
- You are enrolled in a clinical training program for healthcare professionals, OR;
- You’ve earned a post-secondary degree in a STEM degree field and are now completing teacher certification.
Just because you qualify does not automatically mean you are approved for the program. Some applicants have priority placement including applicants who are 100% eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill and who require “the most credit hours compared to other applicants” according to VA.gov.
Read more: GI Bill Eligibility Percentages Explained
Overseas and Private Schools
This program may accept students at overseas or private institutions, VA.gov advises, “Chapter 33 rates for private or foreign schools apply to the STEM scholarship as well.”
Rogers STEM scholarship applications are typically processed (according to the VA) in approximately 30 days. You will be notified of approval or denial by mail; if approved, you must take your Certificate of Eligibility for the Rogers STEM Scholarship to your college’s registrar.
Apply for the STEM Scholarship at VA.gov
Types of Degrees/Subjects You May Pursue With a STEM Scholarship
- Agriculture science
- Natural resources science
- Biological science
- Biomedical science
- Computer and information science
- Computer information support services
- Engineering, engineering technologies, or an engineering-related field
- Health care or a health-care-related field
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Medical residency (undergraduate only)
- Physical science
- Science technologies
- Science technicians
The Department of Veterans Affairs has a complete list of eligible STEM programs for download as a PDF.
Applicants in an Undergraduate STEM Program or Dual-Qualifying Program
To qualify for a Rogers Scholarship under this category:
- You must be enrolled in a qualifying undergraduate STEM degree program with at least 120 standard semester credit hours or 180 quarter credit hours to complete.
- You have completed at least 60 standard credit hours or 90 quarter credit hours toward a qualifying degree.
- You have 6 months or less of your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship remaining.
- You are not in a graduate degree program.
Learn more: Check your Post-9/11 GI Bill Statement of Benefits
Applicants enrolled in a Clinical Training Program
All of these must be true to qualify for a Rogers STEM Scholarship:
- You have a qualifying degree in a STEM field.
- You’ve been accepted or are enrolled in a covered clinical training program.
- You have 6 months or less of your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits remaining.
Applicants Working toward a Teaching Certification
Similar to the requirements listed above for other statuses, all of the following must apply:
- You have a qualifying post-secondary degree in a STEM field.
- You have been accepted or are enrolled in a teaching certification program.
- You have 6 months or less of your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship remaining.
School admission policies and VA regulations are subject to change. Before committing to an academic course of action, it’s a good idea to discuss your VA benefits with an admissions counselor or campus veteran’s representative.