SMART is a scholarship-for-service for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students in STEM fields who can work at U.S. Department of Defense facilities. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, age 18 by January 1 following the award start, at least a 3.0 GPA, an accredited college, and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Disciplines and hiring requirements depend on the sponsoring facility.
The package includes full tuition, an annual stipend listed at $30,000–$46,000 depending on degree level, summer internships for multi-year scholars, and civilian employment after graduation. The service commitment is one year of employment for each year of degree funding. This is not a no-strings grant: recipients agree to work at an assigned facility and meet academic and security terms.
Applications open each year on August 1 and generally close on the first Friday in December; for 2026, check the active portal for the exact time. First verify that your major is eligible, identify facilities hiring in that discipline, and review clearance requirements. Submit transcripts, college information, references, and required documents through the official system, not through unofficial channels.
Read the service agreement before comparing the stipend with a private scholarship: leaving the degree, failing to obtain clearance, or not completing the commitment may trigger repayment or other obligations. The program page excludes standard summer tuition and room and board; approved related costs have limits. Ask about available facilities, location, and service length before accepting an offer.
Before applying, verify that your major and college meet SMART’s list and that you can relocate as required by the sponsoring facility. Interviews, security clearance, and job compatibility are part of the decision, not minor paperwork. Compare the stipend with local living costs and read repayment terms for noncompliance. If you do not want federal employment after graduation, a scholarship without a service commitment may be a better fit.
Read the aid-program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
SMART Scholarship Program — U.S. Department of War STEM.
SMART Eligibility — SMART Scholarship Program.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, funding, and dates depend on the academic year and may change. Tuition aid does not necessarily cover housing, books, transportation, or nonmandatory fees; confirm your situation and award package in writing with the program and financial-aid office.
Compare your net award and excluded costs before committing; the financial-aid office confirms the final balance.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program — U.S. Department of War
SMART is a scholarship-for-service for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students in STEM fields who can work at U.S. Department of Defense facilities. Eligibility includes U.S. citizenship, age 18 by January 1 following the award start, at least a 3.0 GPA, an accredited college, and the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. Disciplines and hiring requirements depend on the sponsoring facility. The package includes full tuition, an annual stipend listed at $30
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of War STEM · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
SMART Scholarship Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
U.S. Department of War STEM · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program — U.S. Department of War ↗
Primary source
SMART Scholarship Program · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.