Tuition Assistance and Military Scholarships
For those that currently serve, each branch of service offers its own form of tuition assistance. Since tuition assistance rules and regulations change from time to time, be sure to check in with your Education Services Officer for the latest information. Branch Specific Tuition Assistance information is available on military.com.
Military Affiliated Scholarships
Saint Michael’s also offers military service scholarships made possible by Alumni of the college and other local agencies. The scholarships vary in their scope and eligibility. All are designed to support veterans, current members of the U.S. Military and the children and spouses of those who have served. To see the details on each of the scholarships offered, please see below.
The following military scholarships are available to undergraduate students:
Howard R. Buxton Scholarships are awarded to active Vermont National Guard members in good standing. Both Air and Army Guard members are eligible to apply for Buxton Scholarships. A limited number of full-time scholarships (16 credits) as well as part-time scholarships are given in the fall and spring semesters each year. The scholarships, which cover tuition only, can apply to undergraduate or graduate study. Priority in consideration for scholarship awards is given to officer candidates working on their education requirements and students pursuing associate and bachelor degrees.
For more information or to apply, contact your Vermont Army/Air National Guard Education Officer.
The Cioffi Family Scholarship (1988) is awarded to support children of men and women killed in Iraq and/or Afghanistan while serving the United States in the armed services. In the event that no student(s) meet the aforementioned criteria, the Scholarship will be awarded to students whose parent(s) have served or currently serve in the military, and/or students who are enrolled in the ROTC program. In the event that no student(s) meet the aforementioned criteria, the Scholarship will then be awarded to incoming first year students from Rice High School in Burlington, Vermont; Mount Saint Joseph High School in Rutland, Vermont; and Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood, New Jersey. The Scholarship is renewable through senior year provided the recipient remains in good academic standing. Ralph Cioffi ’78 served the College as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1992 to 1996, providing leadership on the Audit and Investment Committees.
The Military Heritage Scholarship (2003) established by Paul J. Palmer ’56 as Chair of the Military Heritage Program, is designed to honor the vision of the Edmundites in welcoming veterans to campus. This scholarship will benefit students whose parent(s) have served or currently serve in the military and students who are enrolled in the ROTC program. If the criterion cannot be met, the fund will provide assistance to recipients who demonstrate and embody characteristics of good citizenship and the qualities for which Colonel Donald Cook USMC ’56 was honored with the Medal of Honor.
The Donald “Bucky” Egan ’64 Scholarship (2009) provides financial support for juniors or seniors, with preference given to students interested in pursuing a career in the military. Classmates from the Class of 1964 established this scholarship on the occasion of their 45th Reunion to honor their classmate who gave his life during the Vietnam war and to ensure future generations of the opportunity of a college education. “Bucky” was a standout scholar and athlete here at Saint Michael’s.
The Michael D. Archer Military Heritage Scholarship was established by Edward ’56 and Mary Archer to honor the Edmundite vision of welcoming veterans to campus and in memory of their son, Michael D. Archer. This scholarship is available to, in the following order of preference, students whose parents have served or currently serve in the military, students enrolled in the ROTC program, or students who embody the characteristics of good citizenship for which Col. Donald Cook ’56 was known.
The Patty and Colonel Jere Cook Scholarship (2010) was established to benefit students who are military veterans or their families. This is a need-based award and is given in addition to any award made by the College. Patricia Cook is a 1983 Masters graduate of Saint Michael’s and established this scholarship with her husband, Jere, in honor of the service he gave to the Air National Guard.
The Captain Charles J. Wanzel Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2019 following the Class of 1969’s Fiftieth Reunion. Its purpose is twofold: provide financial assistance to a worthy and deserving veteran, or veteran’s dependent, and to keep the memory of Charles “Chuck” Wanzel’s accomplishments and sacrifice alive among both his classmates and the Saint Michael’s College community.
To learn more about Wanzel and the scholarship, click here.