The SpouseWorks Scholarship by the Department of Defense is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses pursuing professional certifications and licensure or an associate degree in a portable career field and occupation. Spouses may use their SpouseWorks funds at any academic institution approved for participation in the  SpouseWorks Scholarship.

The  SpouseWorks Scholarship pays tuition costs for approved education and training courses and examinations leading to an associate degree or professional certification or licensure (excluding associate degrees in general studies, liberal arts and interdisciplinary studies that do not have a concentration).

Benefits

 SpouseWorks Financial Assistance (FA) pays tuition for approved education and training courses, and licensing/credentialing fees. This includes:

  • Continuing education unit (CEU) classes
  • Degree programs leading to employment in portable career fields
  • High school completion course, GED tests and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes
  • Licensing exams and related prep courses
  • State certifications for teachers, medical professionals and other occupations requiring recognized certifications

Eligibility

  •  On July 27, 2026, SpouseWorks opened up the scholarship to all military spouses of active-duty servicemembers, regardless of rank, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Space Force and those serving in the National Guard or federal reserve on Title 10 orders. 

Application

  • Eligible spouses can establish a SpouseWorks account
  • Once a spouse's profile information is provided, SpouseWorks will verify the spouse's benefit eligibility with the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
  • Eligible spouses will be allowed to create their Career and Training Plan and request financial assistance at least 30 days prior to the course start dates.
  • Please make sure to select Columbia Southern University in the AI portal when uploading your Education and Training Plan.

Refund Policy

No refunds can be issued after the start date published in your Financial Award document.