States With Free Tuition for Veteran Spouses & Dependents

If you are a spouse or dependent of a disabled veteran, you may be able to earn your undergraduate degree at an accredited college tuition-free.

There is an accredited institution in many states of America that offers financial assistance to veteran spouses and dependents.

Explore options such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Fry Scholarship, Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program, or Veteran Readiness and Employment program that awards up to full tuition.

In many cases, you may need to attend a college that offers you in-state tuition and it may take more than one financial aid or tuition assistance program or opportunity to earn your degree tuition-free.

Free Tuition for Disabled Veterans' Spouses and Dependents

Find examples of states and colleges that may offer free tuition for veteran spouses and dependents below.

Alabama

If you live in Alabama, you may be able to earn your undergraduate degree tuition-free through a program offered by the US Department of Veteran Affairs.

For example, The University of Montevallo accepts financial assistance to help pay for your tuition from several scholarships such as the Alabama GI Dependents Education Scholarship or the Fry Scholarship.

There are several programs for veterans and their families in Alabama for those interested in earning an online undergraduate degree.

Arkansas

Earn your online bachelor's degree tuition-free in Arkansas by searching and applying for a tuition assistance option from the Veterans Administration.

Arkansas State University accepts financial awards from the VA and offers free tuition for eligible veteran spouses and dependents who live in the state through the A-State Promise Plus program.

The A-State Promise Plus program covers the remaining tuition after awards from submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and external scholarships.

California

Find a free online undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution in California if you are a veteran spouse or dependent.

See examples of colleges with free tuition opportunities below:

• California State University
• Fresno City College

California State University offers a tuition fee waiver for eligible veteran dependents that allows you to earn your college degree tuition-free at a public college in California.

Iowa

At Iowa State University, you can earn your online degree for free if you are the child or spouse of a disabled veteran through financial assistance opportunities. See military scholarship options below:

• Major General James Ursano scholarship program for army children
• John S McCain International scholarship for military families

Colleges in Iowa encourage you to submit an FAFSA and explore options through the Veteran Administration.

Massachusetts

Worcester State University, in Massachusetts, offers tuition assistance to spouses and dependents of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.

Use the veteran/military admission program to see if you qualify for free tuition.

Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers several resources for veteran spouses and dependents. You may be able to earn your degree for free with one or more VA benefit opportunities.

Search the Fisher House website for scholarship opportunities that may help you earn your degree tuition-free.

West Virginia

If you are a spouse or dependent of a disabled veteran and are interested in completing your undergraduate degree online in West Virginia, consider Glenville State University.

Glenville State University offers several resources for disabled veterans' dependents that provide the possibility to earn an online undergraduate degree for free.

Other States with Free Tuition for Disabled Veteran Spouses and Dependents

There are many other states with free tuition for disabled veteran spouses and dependents. See a list of more states that offer VA benefit opportunities and more below:

• Delaware
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Vermont

You can check for benefits in your state on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Do All States Have Free Tuition for Disabled Veteran Dependents?

Unfortunately, all states do not have an accredited institution that offers free tuition for disabled veteran dependents.

Still, you may be able to achieve a tuition-free degree in a state that does not offer an opportunity that award the full amount of tuition through multiple tuition assistance options.

Learn how to earn your tuition-free degree as a veteran spouse or dependent below.

How to Earn Your Tuition-Free Degree as a Veteran Spouse or Dependent

Learn how to earn your bachelor's degree online for free if you are a veteran spouse or dependent below.

1. Search and Apply for VA Benefits

The admissions office of your accredited college can help you understand how to apply for Veteran Administration benefits.

Become familiar with the types of benefits available such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill or Fry Scholarship and apply for veteran benefits to determine your eligibility.

2. Submit A Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The first step to earning your degree tuition-free is to submit a FAFSA to see if you qualify for federal or state financial awards.

Dependents who had a parent or guardian who died on active duty or died from military service in Iraq or Afghanistan are often awarded the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount.

3. Search and Apply for Other Tuition Assistance Opportunities

Many colleges provide tuition discounts or waivers for military members and their spouses and dependents.

You may be able to combine a tuition discount or waiver with other grants and scholarships.

Find information about tuition discounts and waivers on the website of your chosen accredited institution.

Also, search and apply for internal and external scholarships.

If you have already completed some college courses, consider transferring credits to save time and money toward earning your online degree.

Find a Tuition-Free College for Veteran Spouses and Dependents

Most states are home to an accredited institution that offers tuition assistance opportunities resulting in free tuition for disabled veterans' dependents who want to earn an online associate or bachelor's degree.