How To Get Free College as the Child of a Veteran 2027

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 those benefits can also be transferred to dependents, including children.

Transfers happen while the parent is still serving. To transfer benefits, a service member must have completed at least six years of service on the date the request is approved and agree to serve four more years, and the request goes through the Defense Department via milConnect — not the VA. Service members who received a Purple Heart don’t have to meet the service requirement, but they must request the transfer while still on active duty. Up to 36 months of remaining benefits can be transferred.

There’s one timing rule that catches families off guard: a child can’t start using transferred benefits until the service member has finished at least 10 years of service. After that, the child must have a high school diploma or equivalent (or be at least 18) and must use the benefits before turning 26.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill offers comprehensive support. At public schools, it covers net in-state tuition and mandatory fees; at private, foreign, and non-college degree programs, it pays up to $30,908.34 per academic year for the 2026–2027 year. It also provides a monthly housing allowance and up to $1,000 per academic year for books and supplies.

The Fry Scholarship

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides access to free college for the children of service members who died on or after September 11, 2001. It covers children of service members who died in the line of duty on active duty, members of the Armed Services who died from a service-connected disability within 120 days of discharge, and members of the Selected Reserve who died in the line of duty other than active duty or from a service-connected disability.

‍The program mirrors the benefits of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. It provides up to 36 months of benefits covering tuition and fees, housing, books and supplies, tutorial assistance, national exams, and licensing and certification tests.

To use the scholarship as a child, you need to be at least 18 or have graduated from high school or earned a GED, whichever comes first. Age limits are far less restrictive than they once were: there’s no time limit at all if your parent died on or after January 1, 2013, or if you turned 18, graduated high school, or got your GED after that date. The age-33 cutoff now applies only in limited cases.

You can apply online or by mail using VA Form 22-5490

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) Program

The Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program, also called Chapter 35, offers education benefits to the children of veterans and service members in several situations. One of the following must be true: the veteran is permanently and totally disabled due to a service-connected disability; the veteran died as a result of a service-connected disability; the service member died in the line of duty; the service member is missing in action or was captured by a hostile force for more than 90 days; the service member was forcibly detained by a foreign entity for more than 90 days; or the service member is hospitalized or receiving outpatient treatment for a service-connected permanent and total disability and is likely to be discharged for it.

‍The age rules changed significantly in 2023, and a lot of outdated guidance is still circulating. If you became eligible, turned 18, or completed high school on or after August 1, 2023, you can use these benefits at any age with no time limit. The old rule — an eight-year window ending at age 26 — now applies only if you became eligible, turned 18, and finished high school all before August 1, 2023

‍DEA benefits can be used for college degrees, certificate programs, and apprenticeships. If your training started on or after August 1, 2018, you can receive up to 36 months of benefits. The program pays a flat monthly stipend directly to you rather than paying your school, so it typically covers less than the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and additional funding may be necessary to fully cover educational expenses.

‍For October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, full-time students receive $1,621 per month, with $1,281 at 75% enrollment and $939 at 50% enrollment.

2026–2027 Benefit Rates at a Glance

VA education benefit rates are updated annually, so it’s worth checking the current numbers before you build a college budget.

Post-9/11 GI Bill (transferred benefits and Fry Scholarship), effective August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2027:

• Public in-state schools: net tuition and mandatory fees covered in full at the 100% benefit level
• Private, foreign, and non-college degree programs: up to $30,908.34 per academic year
• Books and supplies: up to $1,000 per academic year
• Monthly housing allowance: based on the E-5 with dependents BAH rate for your school’s ZIP code, capped at $1,261 for online-only study, effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027

DEA (Chapter 35), effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027:

• Full-time enrollment: $1,621 per month
• 75% enrollment: $1,281 per month
• 50% enrollment: $939 per month
  

Keep in mind that Post-9/11 GI Bill payments are prorated by your parent’s eligibility tier. A veteran with at least 36 months of qualifying active duty service earns the full 100% benefit; shorter service periods earn 50% to 90%.

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 College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents is a California Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for the children of veterans who are disabled or died as a result of military service. It waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus, but it does not cover books, parking, or room and board.

‍There are four plans with different eligibility criteria, and students apply through their local County Veterans Service Office rather than through the school. The waiver must be renewed every academic year.

Hazlewood Act

In Texas, the Hazlewood Act allows eligible veterans to transfer unused hours of exemption to a child through the Hazlewood Legacy Program. The exemption covers tuition and required fee charges for up to 150 credit hours at Texas public institutions of higher education.

‍To use Legacy hours, the child must be 25 or younger on the first day of the semester for which the exemption is claimed. The child must also be classified as a Texas resident by their institution and meet satisfactory academic progress standards. Only one dependent child can use a veteran’s Legacy hours at a time.

One important sequencing rule: students eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill must use those benefits before using the Hazlewood Act.

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV)

In Florida, the Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) program supports the children of qualifying Florida veterans. The veteran must have had Florida listed as their home of record when entering service and must have died of a service-connected disability sustained on active duty, be rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, or be classified as a prisoner of war or missing in action.

‍Eligible children are between 16 and 22, must be Florida residents, and must be enrolled in at least six credit hours (or 180 clock hours for a certificate program) at an eligible Florida school. The award equals tuition and required registration fees at an eligible Florida public postsecondary institution. Applications are due April 1 for priority consideration, with later applications funded first-come, first-served if money remains.

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 undergraduate scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. All branches and components are covered, including active duty, reserve, and guard, and the goal is to bridge the gap between VA benefits, other grants and scholarships, and the total cost of college.

‍Support includes a $500 pre-college stipend for high school juniors and seniors, tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and a one-time $1,650 computer stipend. The foundation may also reimburse eligible undergraduate student loans after graduation.

Note that the foundation now sets limits on total assistance. There’s a lifetime funding cap of $75,000 for Chapter 33 (Fry) students and $100,000 for Chapter 35 (DEA) students, along with a five-year maximum. Funding doesn’t have to be used consecutively, but it must be used before the student turns 34.

Scholarships for Military Children Program

Administered by the Fisher House Foundation in partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency, this program awards $2,000 scholarships. For the 2026–2027 academic year, 500 scholarships were awarded, with at least one recipient selected at each commissary location that received qualified applications.

‍Eligibility is narrower than many families expect. The program is open to unmarried military dependent children under 23 who hold a valid Uniformed Services Identification card, and applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll full time in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. school. That means commissary-eligible families — active duty, Guard and Reserve, and retirees. Children of veterans who separated without retiring generally won’t qualify.‍‍

Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board on or off campus. Applications typically close in mid-February.

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.

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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 College Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents is a California Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for the children of veterans who are disabled or died as a result of military service. It waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus, but it does not cover books, parking, or room and board.

‍There are four plans with different eligibility criteria, and students apply through their local County Veterans Service Office rather than through the school. The waiver must be renewed every academic year.

Hazlewood Act

In Texas, the Hazlewood Act allows eligible veterans to transfer unused hours of exemption to a child through the Hazlewood Legacy Program. The exemption covers tuition and required fee charges for up to 150 credit hours at Texas public institutions of higher education.

‍To use Legacy hours, the child must be 25 or younger on the first day of the semester for which the exemption is claimed. The child must also be classified as a Texas resident by their institution and meet satisfactory academic progress standards. Only one dependent child can use a veteran’s Legacy hours at a time.

One important sequencing rule: students eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill must use those benefits before using the Hazlewood Act.

Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV)

In Florida, the Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CSDDV) program supports the children of qualifying Florida veterans. The veteran must have had Florida listed as their home of record when entering service and must have died of a service-connected disability sustained on active duty, be rated 100% permanently and totally disabled, or be classified as a prisoner of war or missing in action.

‍Eligible children are between 16 and 22, must be Florida residents, and must be enrolled in at least six credit hours (or 180 clock hours for a certificate program) at an eligible Florida school. The award equals tuition and required registration fees at an eligible Florida public postsecondary institution. Applications are due April 1 for priority consideration, with later applications funded first-come, first-served if money remains.

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 undergraduate scholarships and educational counseling to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. All branches and components are covered, including active duty, reserve, and guard, and the goal is to bridge the gap between VA benefits, other grants and scholarships, and the total cost of college.

‍Support includes a $500 pre-college stipend for high school juniors and seniors, tuition and fees, books and supplies, living expenses, and a one-time $1,650 computer stipend. The foundation may also reimburse eligible undergraduate student loans after graduation.

Note that the foundation now sets limits on total assistance. There’s a lifetime funding cap of $75,000 for Chapter 33 (Fry) students and $100,000 for Chapter 35 (DEA) students, along with a five-year maximum. Funding doesn’t have to be used consecutively, but it must be used before the student turns 34.

Scholarships for Military Children Program

Administered by the Fisher House Foundation in partnership with the Defense Commissary Agency, this program awards $2,000 scholarships. For the 2026–2027 academic year, 500 scholarships were awarded, with at least one recipient selected at each commissary location that received qualified applications.

‍Eligibility is narrower than many families expect. The program is open to unmarried military dependent children under 23 who hold a valid Uniformed Services Identification card, and applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll full time in an undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. school. That means commissary-eligible families — active duty, Guard and Reserve, and retirees. Children of veterans who separated without retiring generally won’t qualify.‍‍

Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board on or off campus. Applications typically close in mid-February.

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.