Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are step-children eligible for this scholarship or loan?
A: Yes, step-children are eligible, if they are listed in DEERS.
Q: Are grandchildren eligible for this scholarship or loan?
A: Generally, grandchildren are not eligible. However, if a grandparent is the legal guardian of an applicant, and the child is listed in DEERS, they are eligible.
Q: I was a NMCRS Scholar last year, do I need to reapply for the 2024-2025 academic year?
A: Yes, you must reapply each year.
Q: Can I apply for assistance for private elementary, middle or high school and/or homeschool curriculum?
A: No. Our program is for post-secondary education only.
Q: I applied last year and was not selected, would I not be selected this year?
A: Each year has different variables: available funds from NMCRS, applicant pool, tuition changes. You are welcome to apply again to see if your need meets this year’s threshold for an award.
Q: My parent/spouse is a Navy or Marine Corps veteran, but is not active-duty or retired. Can I apply for this scholarship or loan?
A: No, Education Assistance is applicable for active duty, retired, or qualifying deceased Marine Corps or Navy dependents only. Disability status does not change this requirement.
Q: What determines a qualifying deceased parent?
A: The child of a sponsor who passed away while on active-duty or after retirement is eligible to apply. The applicant will submit a copy of DD1300 Report of Casualty & a copy of Death Certificate in their application if the sponsor died while on active duty. If the sponsor died after retirement, the applicant will submit the DD214 and a copy of Death Certificate.
Q: My parent/spouse is a disabled Veteran, but did not retire. Can I apply for this scholarship or loan?
A: No, Education Assistance is applicable for active duty, retired, or qualifying deceased Marine Corps or Navy dependents only, regardless of disability rating.
Q: My sponsor is a Reservist. Do I qualify for the program?
A: You qualify if your sponsor has been activated for the semester or academic year.
Q: I am an active-duty Sailor or Marine attending college in my free time. Can I apply for a scholarship or loan?
A: At this time, active-duty service members are eligible for interest-free loans only if they have been accepted to the MECEP or MECP programs.
Q: If I accept a loan, when does repayment begin?
A: Repayment for NMCRS Education Loans are NOT deferred to after graduation. NMCRS loans repayment begin September 2024. The loan will be tied to the sponsoring service member’s pay.
Q: What if I change the college I plan to attend from what I indicated on my application?
A: If you are selected for a NMCRS scholarship and you decide to attend a college that is different from your application, reach out to
education@nmcrs.org. Please note, your application will be reviewed and the award amount may change.
Q: What if I transfer colleges between semesters?
A: If you transfer colleges between the fall and spring semester, please contact
education@nmcrs.org so we can contact the school for a refund and reissue checks to your new school.
Q: I am no longer planning to school this year. Will you hold the funds for me to use next year?
A: We understand plans change. We will put your funds back into the pool to give to the next available applicant. We cannot hold the funds to next year, but encourage you apply again next cycle.
Q: I applied for the full academic year, but I decided to take the fall semester off. Can I defer my scholarship for the spring semester?
A: If you transfer colleges between the fall and spring semester, please contact
education@nmcrs.org so we can communicate with the school for a plan to hold or reissue funds. Depending the circumstances, you may only be eligible for a portion of the award.
Q: My spouse/parent is currently active duty, but will be separating (not retiring) from the military this year. Am I still eligible for the award?
A: If your spouse separates from the military within the year, you may not be eligible depending on the separation date. If your sponsor separates from the military prior to September 30, 2024, you are not eligible. If their separation date is after 9/30/24, please check with
education@nmcrs.org to determine if you are eligible for a fall semester award.
Q: What if I am dual military? Even if I am not a MECEP/MECP student, can I apply as a Navy/Marine Corps spouse?
A: Yes! Your spouse status qualifies you for eligibility and is not negated by your active duty status.
Q: How are the scholarships and amounts chosen?
A: We are needs-based scholarship program. We will compare your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) with your tuition and out of pocket costs in a rubric to determine awards. Merit-based determining factors, like GPA, will not be factored as long as the minimum requirement is met.