Department of War Cyber Service Academy Scholarship Program
Important Dates
- October 1, 2026
- Application Process Opens
- January 31, 2027
- Deadline for Application Submissions
- ~ April 1, 2027
- Final Student Selection Process Occurs
- ~ April 30, 2027
- Final Announcement of Scholarship Offers will Occur
*Dates subject to change
Informational Meeting
Recording from November 7, 2023
2026-27 Prospective Students
About
Colorado State University Cyber Security Center has received designation as a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C) program. The National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity (NCAE-C ) program is managed by NSA’s National Cryptologic School. Federal partners include the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)/National Initiative on Cybersecurity Education (NICE), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense Office of the Chief Information Officer (DoD-CIO), and U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBERCOM).
NCAE-C program aims to create and manage a collaborative cybersecurity educational program with community colleges, colleges, and universities that:
- Establishes standards for cybersecurity curriculum and academic excellence,
- Includes competency development among students and faculty,
- Values community outreach and leadership in professional development,
- Integrates cybersecurity practice within the institution across academic disciplines,
- Actively engages in solutions to challenges facing cybersecurity education.
Project Summary
This project has introduced a systematic program designed to effectively recruit qualified and high-achieving students who are enrolled in our cybersecurity program of study as candidates to the DoW CSA. Selected candidates for this scholarship will receive full support, including a generous annual stipend, a waiver for tuition and all fees, books, and other benefits. Please see below for more information and details.
Academic and Financial Benefits
- Full cost of tuition and all fees provided for the 2026–27 academic year.
- Up to $24,000 for associate degree students, $29,000 for bachelor’s students, and $34,000 for master’s or doctoral students.
- Eligible students may receive an allowance or reimbursement toward health insurance costs.
- Covering the cost of all required books.
- Funding for qualifying cybersecurity certifications aligned with the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework.
Career & Professional Benefits
- Gain practical experience working with cybersecurity professionals within DoW agencies and components via paid summer internships.
- Opportunities to transition into full-time civilian cybersecurity employment with the DoW after successful graduation and program completion.
- Eligible scholars receive sponsorship for the security clearance required for their placement.
- Apply cybersecurity knowledge to real-world challenges that support national security.
Program Requirements & Conditions
- Applicant must have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 (undergraduate) and 3.5 (graduate) for the duration of the academic year.
- Applicants must be enrolled in or accepted into an eligible cybersecurity-related undergraduate or graduate degree program and meet the requirements for the current application cycle.
- U.S. citizen able to qualify for security clearance.
- By accepting the scholarship, the applicant agrees to work for the DoW as a civilian for one year for each year of scholarship received.
Covered Degree Programs
- The program supports eligible associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields related to cybersecurity. Eligibility is dependent on the field of study and institutional participation.
- View the official DoW CSA information and degree requirements
2026-27 Application Cycle
If you are interested in pursuing this full-ride scholarship to support your study in cybersecurity and related fields, the Department of War seeks scholarship applications from incoming freshmen to senior undergraduate and master/doctoral students for the 2026–27 academic year. Information about this new cycle is given below.
THE 2026-27 STUDENT RECRUITMENT SEASON WILL OPEN ON OCT. 1, 2026.
How to Apply
First, you will need to create your account online with the DoW Cyber Scholarship Program to apply for a DoW cyber scholarship.
Once you have registered and logged into your account, you will find instructions for preparing and submitting an application for the DoW CSA, as well as the application itself and applicable materials. It will take approximately an hour to complete. To expedite the process you will need:
- Official Transcripts
- Selective Service Confirmation Number (if applicable)
- Security clearance details (if applicable)
- Joint services transcript (if a veteran)
- Essay responses
Contact
Please use the shared account compsci_dodcysp@colostate.edu for more information about the program.
Dr. Indrakshi Ray
Professor of Computer Science
Computer Science Dept, CSU, Fort Collins, CO
Lisa Anaya
Director of Research Administration
Dean’s Office, College of Natural Sciences
Stats Building, CSU, Fort Collins, CO
For more information on the Cyber Security Center contact Dr. Indrakshi Ray or Dr. Charles Butler only.
