Georgetown Awards Scholarships to Military Students
Five graduate students received $20,000 to cover tuition costs for the upcoming academic year.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Scholarships
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize financial aid programs specifically for military-connected students?
Georgetown University has awarded $20,000 scholarships to five military-affiliated graduate students at the McCourt School of Public Policy. Created by Craigslist founder Craig Newmark, the program provides essential tuition assistance for one full academic year.
Why it matters
The program aims to lower financial barriers to graduate education for those who have served in the armed forces. By offering targeted support, the university seeks to increase access for the nearly 9% of its graduate student population with military ties.
The Craig Newmark Veterans Scholarship provides $20,000 per recipient to cover tuition for one academic year. The program is capped at 10 students annually, representing a portion of the 9% of Georgetown graduate students who are military-connected.
The players
Georgetown University
This private research university located in Washington is the institution granting the scholarship awards.
Craig Newmark
He is the founder of the classified advertisement website Craigslist and the creator of this veterans scholarship program.
McCourt School of Public Policy
This is a graduate school within Georgetown University that hosts the students receiving the scholarship funding.
The details
The scholarships are designated specifically for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families enrolled in master's programs at the McCourt School of Public Policy. This financial aid package is part of a broader initiative established by the program's founder to support the educational advancement of military households.
Timeline
The scholarship program began in 2021.
Four students received the award in 2025.
University officials announced the 2026 recipients on October 8, 2026.
Culture Shift
This scholarship initiative reflects a broader movement in higher education to provide supplementary private funding for veterans alongside federal programs like the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act. These private-public partnerships are increasingly vital as institutions look to bridge the funding gap for military-connected families.
Eligible military-affiliated students at the McCourt School can utilize these funds to offset the cost of their master's degree tuition. Applicants should prepare for annual cycles, as the university supports a limited number of recipients each year.
The takeaway
Private scholarship programs remain a critical resource for veterans seeking to maximize their educational benefits. Prospective students should check institutional portals regularly for application windows and specific eligibility criteria for specialized military aid.
Further reading
Learn more about local financial aid opportunities on the Scholarships page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Hoya.
Live Poll
Should universities prioritize financial aid programs specifically for military-connected students?
