SMART Scholarship for Service
The Science, Mathematics, And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship provides full tuition, a stipend, and guaranteed employment with the Department of Defense for STEM students.
Award Amount
$25,000–$40,000
per year
Deadline
December 1
application due
GPA Required
3.00
minimum
Field of Study
STEM
eligible majors
Eligibility Checker
Enter your information below to check if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the SMART Scholarship for Service.
Requirements Checklist
Track your progress — check off requirements as you complete them.
0/4 completeApplication Tips
Highlight your research experience
Get letters from STEM faculty
Participate in relevant organizations
Start applications early
Scholarship Value Calculator
Annual Value
$40,000
per year
4-Year Total Value
$160,000
if renewed each year
Loan Interest Saved
$56,000
at 6.5% over 10 years
Pro tip: Every dollar in scholarship funding saves roughly $1.35 compared to borrowing the same amount through student loans at 6.5% interest over a 10-year repayment period.
Eligibility Details
| Eligibility | Students pursuing STEM degrees with minimum 3 GPA |
| Demographics | STEM students |
| Field of Study | STEM |
| Type | merit based |
| Renewable | Yes — renewable annually |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SMART Scholarship for Service worth?
The SMART Scholarship for Service provides $25,000 to $40,000 per year. It is renewable, meaning you can receive it for up to 4 years of study, totaling up to $160,000.
What GPA do I need for the SMART Scholarship for Service?
You need a minimum GPA of 3.00 to be eligible for the SMART Scholarship for Service. Maintaining or exceeding this GPA is typically required for renewal.
When is the SMART Scholarship for Service deadline?
The application deadline for the SMART Scholarship for Service is December 1. We recommend starting your application at least one month before the deadline to ensure all materials are complete and submitted on time.
Who is eligible for the SMART Scholarship for Service?
Students pursuing STEM degrees with minimum 3 GPA. The scholarship is categorized under STEM and is available to stem students.
Is the SMART Scholarship for Service renewable?
Yes, the SMART Scholarship for Service is renewable. You can receive it each year as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements, including maintaining the required GPA and enrollment status.
How do I apply for the SMART Scholarship for Service?
To apply for the SMART Scholarship for Service, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements and submit the required application materials, which typically include: Minimum 3 GPA, Pursuing STEM degree, Strong academic record, Research experience or interest. Visit the official application portal for complete instructions.
Similar STEM Scholarships
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
$34,000–$37,000/yr
3.5 GPA · October 21
Society of Women Engineers Scholarship
$5,000–$17,000/yr
3.0 GPA · May 1
AFCEA STEM Scholarship
$2,500–$5,000/yr
3.0 GPA · November 15
Barry Goldwater STEM Scholarship
$7,500/yr
3.5 GPA · January 31
Hertz Foundation Fellowship
$50,000–$250,000/yr
3.8 GPA · October 27
Intel Science Talent Search Scholarship
$25,000–$250,000/yr
3.5 GPA · November 15
Methodology & Scholarship Data Sources
How we compile SMART Scholarship for Service scholarship data: Our scholarship database integrates official data from federal financial aid sources, higher education research, and direct program documentation. Scholarship terms, amounts, and deadlines are verified against official program websites.
- Scholarship award data verified against official program documentation and Federal Student Aid scholarship guidance.
- Eligibility requirements cross-referenced with NCES Digest of Education Statistics for GPA distributions and enrollment data by institution type.
- Financial need assessment methodology aligned with Federal Student Aid aid calculation (SAI under FAFSA Simplification Act 2024).
- Award maximization strategy based on College Scorecard data on average institutional grant aid and net price by family income bracket.
- Tax implications of scholarship awards referenced from IRS Tax Topic 421 — Scholarships, Fellowship Grants and Other Education Grants.
Authoritative scholarship and financial aid sources:
- Federal Student Aid (StudentAid.gov) — official FAFSA, grants, and loan information
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — net price and aid data by institution
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — institutional financial aid statistics
- IRS Topic 421 — Scholarship Tax Rules — taxability of scholarship awards
- Federal Student Aid — Scholarship Resources — avoiding scholarship scams
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — enrollment and aid distribution data
Scholarship Disclaimer: Scholarship terms, amounts, deadlines, and eligibility requirements change annually. Always verify current program details directly with the awarding organization before applying. Award amounts shown reflect typical annual figures; actual awards may vary. This tool is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee scholarship eligibility or award.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · Verified against official program sources and Federal Student Aid data
Ready to Apply?
Use our scholarship calculator to estimate your total financial aid package.