A federal grant for undergraduate students whose parent or guardian died in U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 11 September 2001. At Cornell it is part of the federal aid package.
About this scholarship
- Cornell says Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants are for eligible undergraduates who complete the FAFSA each year, are eligible for the federal Pell Grant, and whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces who died in Iraq or Afghanistan service after 9/11.
- Some other sources describe the old grant as being for students who were not Pell-eligible only because of family finances, so the conditions differ by source and year.
- The Department of Education says the 2024 law changed eligibility for what were formerly called the IASG and the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship. Beginning in 2024–25, approved students receive the maximum Pell Grant instead of a separate IASG.
What the award includes
- Traditionally, the award equals the maximum Federal Pell Grant for the year, not exceeding the cost of attendance.
- The scholarship portal listing shows $7,395 for 2026–27. Other sources give a different figure for 2026–27, so check studentaid.gov before publishing a number.
- Payment works like the Pell Grant, through your school account
Who can apply
- Be an undergraduate. Eligible students must not already hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Your parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. armed forces who died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11.
- You must have been under 24 or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death.
- Meet federal and Cornell financial aid eligibility rules, and file the FAFSA every year.
- The grant is available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
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