How To Get Free College as the Child of a Veteran

As the child of a veteran, you have access to a wide range of VA educational benefits that could help you attend college for little to no cost. Whether through the GI Bill, state programs, or special scholarships, these opportunities are designed to honor your parent's service by making higher education more affordable for you.

This article provides the information you need to access these benefits and take the next step toward a debt-free college experience. Read on to discover how to make the most of the resources available to you as the child of a veteran.

Getting a Free College Degree as a Veteran's Child

If you're the child of a veteran, you may qualify for various benefits that could cover your college education. Always be sure to fill out the FAFSA online form to get access to many of these federal programs.

These benefits stem from federal programs, state initiatives, scholarships, and institutional grants designed to support the families of those who have served in the military.

Below, we explain how you can access free or highly subsidized college tuition as the child of a veteran.

The GI Bill

One of the most well-known education benefits for veterans and their families is the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The bill provides financial support for education and housing to veterans, and it can also be transferred to their dependents, including their children.

To receive these benefits as a child of a veteran, veterans can transfer unused GI Bill benefits to their children. To qualify, the veteran must have at least six years of service and commit to an additional four years at the time of transfer.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers comprehensive support, covering up to 100% of tuition and fees for public in-state schools, along with providing a housing stipend and book allowance. These benefits are available to dependents until the age of 26, making it crucial to plan accordingly and stay within the eligibility window.

The Fry Scholarship

For the children of veterans who have passed away in the line of duty after September 10, 2001, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides access to free college education. This program essentially mirrors the benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and includes full tuition and fee coverage at public schools, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.

The application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the VA's portal, where you'll need to submit necessary documents such as proof of relationship to the veteran and details about the veteran's service and death.

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program offers education benefits to children of veterans who are permanently disabled due to service-related conditions or who died during active duty or from a service-connected disability. To qualify, the child must be between 18 and 26 years old, and the veteran parent must meet specific criteria regarding their disability or death.

DEA benefits can be used for college degrees, certificate programs, and apprenticeships, although it covers less than the Post-9/11 GI Bill, so additional funding may be necessary to fully cover educational expenses.

As of 2024, full-time students can receive up to $1,401 per month to help with tuition, fees, and living costs.

State-Specific Programs for Children of Veterans

Many states offer free tuition for veterans' dependents. These programs often provide tuition waivers or scholarships specifically for dependents of veterans, and the eligibility criteria can vary by state.

To find out what benefits are available in your state, contact the state veterans affairs office or visit your school's financial aid office for more details. Below are a few examples.

California College Fee Waiver

The California College Fee Waiver program waives tuition and fees for children of veterans who are disabled or have died as a result of military service. The program is available at all state-run community colleges, California State University, and University of California campuses.

Hazelwood Act

In Texas, the Hazlewood Act allows eligible veterans to transfer up to 150 hours of tuition exemption to their children. This covers tuition at public universities in Texas and can significantly reduce the cost of college for dependents.

Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) Scholarship

In Florida, the Children of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) Scholarship provides full tuition coverage for children of veterans who were Florida residents and are either deceased or have a service-related disability.

Scholarships for Children of Veterans

In addition to government-sponsored programs, many organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for children of veterans. These scholarships can provide additional funding to cover costs not covered by the GI Bill, Fry Scholarship, or other programs.

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

This organization provides scholarships to cover the unmet financial needs of children who have lost a parent in military service. The foundation aims to cover all education expenses that are not met by other forms of aid.

Scholarships for Military Children Program

Administered by the Fisher House Foundation, this program awards $2,000 scholarships to children of active duty, reserve, and retired service members.

Institutional Aid and Discounts

Many colleges and universities offer institutional financial aid or discounts to the children of veterans. These benefits can range from tuition reductions to special grants aimed at covering additional expenses such as housing and books.

Veterans' Legacy Scholarships

Some schools, particularly those with large veteran populations, offer legacy scholarships to children of veterans. These scholarships may vary by institution, so check with the financial aid offices of your target schools to explore these options.

Military-Friendly Schools

Institutions that have earned the ''military-friendly'' designation often have additional resources and financial support options available to military families, including dependents. The best military-friendly colleges are committed to helping veteran families navigate the financial aid process and find ways to reduce the overall cost of college.

Earn Your Degree as a Child of a Veteran

Going to college without going into debt is completely possible for a veteran's child. To get more specific information, reach out to the colleges highlighted on Learn.org?these schools can help you start your college career today.