Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship: Application Process & Requirements

Discover the complete 2025/2026 application process, eligibility, and benefits of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship. Learn how veterans and Fry Scholars can extend their GI Bill coverage for STEM programs.

Earning a college degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field can be both intellectually rewarding and financially challenging. For veterans and Fry Scholars who are using or have exhausted their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship offers a critical opportunity to continue their education without incurring additional financial burdens. This scholarship provides up to nine months or $30,000 in additional funding to support those pursuing approved STEM degree programs, teaching certification, or clinical training after earning a STEM degree.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, including its purpose, eligibility criteria, application process, required documents, deadlines, and tips for a successful application.

🎯 Key Highlights

• Scholarship Name: Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship
• Offered By: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Benefit Duration: Up to 9 months or $30,000, whichever comes first
• Eligible Applicants: Veterans and Fry Scholars with exhausted or nearly exhausted Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits
• Programs Covered: STEM degrees, teaching certification, and clinical training
• Priority Criteria: Highest GI Bill percentage, longest academic program, earliest exhaustion date

What Is the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship?

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship is a supplemental benefit for eligible Post-9/11 GI Bill and Fry Scholarship recipients who are pursuing studies in STEM fields. Recognizing the national demand for STEM professionals, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs created this scholarship to encourage and support veterans and their families as they pursue degrees that often take longer to complete.

It is named after Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, a lifelong advocate for veterans’ education benefits. The scholarship was introduced through the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the Forever GI Bill.

The scholarship provides additional funding beyond the standard GI Bill coverage for students enrolled in:

• Undergraduate STEM degree programs
• Clinical training programs (non-graduate level)
• Teaching certification programs (after earning a STEM degree)

Who Is Eligible to Apply for Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship?

Eligibility for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship depends on both the applicant’s status and the educational program.

Applicant Eligibility

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a Veteran or a Fry Scholar
• Are currently using or have used up the Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits
• Have 6 months or less of entitlement remaining
• Are enrolled in a qualifying program of study

Program Eligibility

There are three main educational paths that qualify:

1. Undergraduate STEM Degree Path
   • Enrolled in a qualifying STEM bachelor’s program that requires at least 120 semester hours
   • Completed 60 semester credit hours toward the degree
2. Clinical Training Program
   • Completed a STEM bachelor’s degree
   • Enrolled in required clinical training for professional licensure (non-graduate program)
3. Teaching Certification Path
   • Completed a STEM bachelor’s degree
   • Enrolled in an accredited teaching certification program

What Fields Are Covered?

The scholarship supports a wide variety of STEM-related fields. Some of the most common include:

• Agriculture and natural resources
• Biological and biomedical sciences
• Computer science and information technology
• Engineering and engineering technologies
• Health care and clinical sciences
• Mathematics and statistics
• Physical sciences (chemistry, physics, astronomy)

To confirm whether your specific degree is eligible, check the official VA List of Approved Programs.

What Does the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship Cover?

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship offers substantial financial aid:

• Up to 9 additional months of benefits
• Maximum benefit of $30,000
• Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) as per Post-9/11 GI Bill rates

These funds can be used for:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and supplies
• Housing allowance (MHA)
• Supportive services offered under standard GI Bill benefits

Note: This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with the Yellow Ribbon Program.

How to Apply for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship: A Step-by-Step Process.

Step 1: Verify Your Remaining Benefits

You must be within six months of exhausting your Post-9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship benefits. You can check your remaining entitlement by:

• Logging into VA.gov
• Contacting your School Certifying Official (SCO)
• Calling the GI Bill hotline: 888-442-4551

Step 2: Gather Necessary Information

Before applying, make sure you have the following:

• Name and location of your school
• Program name and classification (STEM field)
• Credit hours completed and total required
• Copy of your COE (Certificate of Eligibility)
• DD214 or proof of service (for veterans)

Step 3: Complete VA Form 22-10203

You can apply by filling out VA Form 22-10203. This can be done online via:

• Online Application Portal

Or submit a printed copy to your nearest VA regional office.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by the VA. If approved, you’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) outlining the details of your scholarship extension.

Step 5: Coordinate With Your School

Provide your COE to your institution’s School Certifying Official (SCO). Your school must confirm your enrollment and remaining credits with the VA.

Required Documents

You will need to submit the following:

1. VA Form 22-10203 (application form)
2. Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
3. DD214 or Proof of Service
4. Transcript showing completed credits and major
5. Program plan from your school (showing total credits required and remaining)
6. Teaching or Clinical program enrollment (if applicable)

Make sure all documents are current, clear, and submitted before the deadlines.

Application Deadlines

The STEM Scholarship is open for rolling applications throughout the year. However, it’s essential to apply once you are within six months of exhausting your GI Bill benefits.

Key Tips:

• Apply early to avoid processing delays
• Your eligibility ends once you complete your program
• Funding is first-come, first-served based on prioritization criteria

Monthly Housing Allowance & Verification

Once awarded, you must verify your enrollment monthly through:

• STEMText: A text-based verification service
• School Certifying Official: For manual verification

Failure to verify may delay or disrupt your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA).

Prioritization Criteria

Due to limited funding, not all eligible applicants may receive the scholarship. Priority is given to:

• Applicants with 100% GI Bill entitlement
• Longest duration programs (based on required credits)
• Applications submitted earliest in the eligibility window

Benefits of the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

• Extended education funding when your GI Bill runs out
• Support for high-demand careers in STEM fields
• Access to better-paying jobs upon graduation
• Opportunity to pursue licensure or certification without taking on new debt

The long-term career and income potential in STEM careers make this scholarship a high-value investment in your future.

FAQs About the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

1. Can I apply if I’ve already finished my degree?
You may apply if you completed a STEM degree and are enrolled in teaching certification or clinical training related to that degree.

2. Can I apply while I still have more than 6 months of GI Bill benefits?
No. You must have 6 months or less of benefits remaining at the time of application.

3. Are graduate degree programs covered?
No. The scholarship only covers undergraduate STEM degrees, teaching certification, and clinical training.

4. Can Fry Scholars apply?
Yes. Eligible Fry Scholars can also receive the STEM Scholarship.

5. Does this scholarship work with Yellow Ribbon?
No. Yellow Ribbon Program funding cannot be combined with the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship.

Final Thoughts

The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship provides an essential financial lifeline for veterans and Fry Scholars pursuing education in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related disciplines. With college costs on the rise and STEM degrees often requiring more credits, this scholarship ensures that your educational journey doesn’t end prematurely due to a lack of funding.

Whether you are a student finishing a bachelor’s degree or starting a teaching certification or clinical training program, applying for the Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship can provide the additional support you need to achieve your goals. Make sure you apply early, stay in touch with your School Certifying Official, and keep track of your monthly verifications.

For full details or to start your application, visit the VA’s official STEM scholarship page.

Helpful Resources:

• VA STEM Scholarship Overview
• Apply Online via VA.gov
• Post-9/11 GI Bill Information
• VA School Certifying Official Info
• [GI Bill Hotline: 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)]