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
About 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 $30,000–$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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program