States With Free Tuition for Veteran Spouses & Dependents 2026

If you’re the spouse or child of a U.S. veteran, you may qualify for free or reduced tuition at colleges and universities. Many states recognize the sacrifices of veterans by offering education benefits to their families. In some cases, these programs waive tuition completely, while others provide scholarships that cover fees or even room and board.

Eligibility often depends on the veteran’s disability status, state residency, and whether the school participates in the program. Some benefits are limited to undergraduate study, while others extend to graduate or professional degrees. This article breaks down which states offer free tuition for disabled veterans’ dependents, explains the application process, and answers common questions about how these benefits work.

Do Veteran Spouses Get Free College?

Yes, in some states spouses can qualify for free or reduced tuition, especially if the veteran is permanently disabled or has passed away. For example, Florida offers a scholarship program that covers tuition and fees for spouses, while Texas allows veterans to transfer unused credit hours under the Hazlewood Act’s “Legacy” option. Benefits vary by state, so it’s important to check local rules before applying.

Do Children of Veterans Get Free College?

In many states, children of veterans are eligible for free tuition, particularly when the veteran is disabled or died in service. Federal programs like the Fry Scholarship also help children of service members, while states often provide tuition waivers at public colleges. These benefits can fully cover the cost of attending a state university, making higher education more affordable for military families.

States With Free Tuition for Veteran Spouses & Dependents

Some states go above and beyond to support military families with free or reduced tuition at public colleges and universities. The scope of these benefits can vary widely. While some programs cover only base tuition, others extend to fees, housing, and even textbooks.

1. Arkansas – Military Dependents’ Scholarship 

Arkansas offers one of the most generous benefits in the country. The Military Dependents’ Scholarship waives in-state tuition, mandatory fees, and on-campus room and board at public or private colleges, universities, or technical schools in the state. 

It acts as a “last dollar” program, covering what’s left after federal aid is applied. Books and personal expenses aren’t included, but the broad coverage makes this a top-tier benefit.

2. North Carolina – Scholarship for Children of Wartime Veterans 

In North Carolina, children of wartime veterans can receive coverage for tuition, room and board, and fees at state-supported colleges and universities. The award can be used for up to eight semesters over an eight-year period, making it both comprehensive and long-lasting.

3. Alabama – G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship 

Alabama’s program provides funding for tuition, fees, and required textbooks at state-supported schools. Like Arkansas, it is a “last dollar” program, filling in costs that aren’t covered by federal aid. The benefit does not cover extra materials or living expenses, but including textbooks adds real value compared to tuition-only programs.

4. Maine – Veterans’ Dependents Tuition Waiver 

Maine waives all tuition, mandatory fees, and lab fees for eligible dependents at state-supported colleges and vocational schools. It doesn’t extend to housing, books, or meals, but covering both tuition and fees makes it more comprehensive than many other state waivers.

5. Texas – Hazlewood Act

The Hazlewood Act offers up to 150 credit hours of tuition and required fees exemption at Texas public institutions. Veterans can also transfer unused hours to a dependent under the “Legacy” program. Housing, books, and supplies aren’t covered, but required fees are included.

6. Florida – CSDDV Scholarships

Florida’s Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) cover tuition and registration fees at participating public institutions. The scholarship can be applied to up to 110% of the credit hours required for a first bachelor’s degree or certificate program, providing flexibility for students who need extra time to finish.

7. Oregon – Veterans’ Dependent Tuition Waiver 

Oregon goes further than many states by covering tuition for both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree at public institutions. Dependents of veterans who are 100% disabled or who died in service are eligible. Books, housing, and fees aren’t covered, but the ability to extend into graduate study gives this program a strong position.

8. Tennessee – Dependents’ Tuition Waiver

Tennessee waives tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, and required registration fees for eligible spouses and dependents. The waiver does not cover special course fees like labs or online program surcharges, but including activity and registration fees sets it apart from tuition-only coverage.

9. Illinois – Dependents’ Grant 

Illinois provides a full waiver of tuition and mandatory fees at public colleges and universities for spouses and children of deceased or 100% disabled veterans. Books and housing aren’t included, but this combination of tuition and fee coverage makes higher education significantly more affordable.

10. Washington – Tuition Waiver for Veterans and Dependents 

In Washington, eligible dependents of veterans who are 100% disabled or deceased may receive a waiver for all resident tuition and fees at public colleges. For others, the waiver may be partial (up to 50%), depending on the institution. Benefits apply only to undergraduate programs, but fee coverage for fully eligible students makes this stronger than many waivers.

11. California – CalVet College Fee Waiver

California waives systemwide tuition and mandatory fees at community colleges, CSU campuses, and UC schools. It does not extend to books, housing, or personal costs, but the scope of institutions covered and the elimination of all mandatory system fees make it one of the most widely used benefits.

12. Nebraska – Waiver of Tuition Program

Nebraska’s program waives 100% of tuition and tuition-related fees at participating schools, including the University of Nebraska, state colleges, and community colleges. Students may use the waiver for one community college degree and one bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t cover housing or books, but tuition and fee coverage is still a strong benefit.

13. Massachusetts – Tuition Waiver for Veterans and Dependents

Massachusetts offers a waiver for full or partial tuition at public colleges and universities. The exact amount depends on eligibility, and students remain responsible for fees, housing, and books.

14. Connecticut – Veterans Tuition Waiver 

Connecticut provides a “last dollar” tuition waiver at public universities and community colleges. It covers remaining tuition after federal benefits like the GI Bill are applied. Fees, books, and housing aren’t included, but it can make a big difference once other aid is factored in.

15. South Carolina – Free Tuition for Children of Certain War Veterans

South Carolina waives tuition only at state-supported colleges, universities, or technical schools for eligible children of veterans. Books, fees, and living costs aren’t included, limiting the scope compared to other programs.

16. New Mexico – Vietnam Veterans’ Scholarship

New Mexico’s program covers tuition, fees, and a book allowance at state-funded postsecondary schools. For non-state institutions, reimbursement is capped at the highest in-state tuition rate. While eligibility is narrower (limited to Vietnam-era veterans and their families), the inclusion of a book allowance lifts this above tuition-only waivers.

17. Arizona – Tuition Waiver for Surviving Dependents

Arizona waives tuition expenses for surviving dependents of service members who died in the line of duty. It applies to undergraduate programs at public colleges and universities but excludes books, fees, housing, and course-related costs.

18. Alaska – University of Alaska Dependent Tuition Waiver

Alaska’s waiver is the narrowest of the group. It covers tuition only for spouses and dependents, without fees, books, or housing. Its scope is also limited compared to states that extend eligibility more broadly.

What States Offer Free Tuition to Disabled Veterans’ Dependents?

Many of the states in the list above provide free tuition specifically for the children or spouses of disabled veterans. In many cases, eligibility requires the veteran to have a 100% service-connected disability. State residency rules usually apply, and the benefit is often restricted to public colleges and universities.

It’s also worth noting that programs vary widely. Some states cover only tuition, while others extend benefits to fees, housing, or textbooks. Because rules differ, the best step is to confirm with your state’s veterans affairs office or higher education board before applying.

FAQs About Free College for Veteran Dependents and Spouses

Families of veterans often have specific questions about who qualifies and what’s covered. Here are answers to some of the most common concerns.

Do Dependents of 100% Disabled Vets Get Free College?

In many states, yes. Dependents of veterans with a 100% service-connected disability often qualify for tuition waivers at public colleges and universities. The exact coverage depends on the state, but federal benefits like the Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program can also help fill in gaps.

Are There Any Scholarships for Children of Veterans?

Beyond tuition waivers, many scholarships are available for children of veterans. National options like the Fisher House Foundation Scholarships and state-level grants through veterans’ service organizations can help cover books, housing, or other costs not included in tuition programs.

Can Dependents Use VA Education Benefits Out of State?

Most state tuition waivers are tied to residency and only apply at in-state public colleges. However, federal programs like the Fry Scholarship or DEA benefits may be used at approved institutions anywhere in the country. That flexibility makes federal aid especially valuable if you plan to attend school outside your home state.

Do State Tuition Waivers Cover Graduate School?

Some states restrict their programs to undergraduate degrees, while others allow coverage to extend into graduate or professional programs. For example, Alabama’s G.I. Dependents’ Scholarship includes up to four years of study, which may be applied beyond a bachelor’s degree. Always check with your state to confirm graduate-level eligibility.

How Do I Apply for Free Tuition as a Veteran Dependent or Spouse?

The process typically starts with proving state residency and submitting documentation of the veteran’s service and disability status, such as VA disability rating letters or discharge papers. You’ll also need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), since some programs combine federal and state aid. Each state has its own deadlines, so start early and contact your school’s financial aid office for guidance.

Explore Military Friendly Colleges

If you qualify for tuition waivers or scholarships as a veteran dependent or spouse, the next step is finding the right school. Learn.org makes it easy to explore military-friendly colleges that participate in these programs and support military families.