Between federal GI Bill programs and state-level tuition waivers, veterans and their dependents have access to education benefits that can dramatically reduce (or even eliminate) the cost of college. The key is knowing what exists, how to stack benefits, and where to apply.

This article covers the major federal education benefits available to veterans and their families, followed by a state-by-state breakdown of the most generous tuition waivers currently available across the country.

Federal Veterans Education Benefits

Before looking at state programs, it helps to understand the federal benefits that serve as the foundation. Many state benefits can be used alongside federal programs for significant cost savings.

Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most widely used federal education benefit. It provides up to 36 months of education benefits to veterans who served at least 90 days of aggregate active duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits include tuition and fees paid directly to the school (up to the in-state maximum at public institutions), a monthly housing allowance, and a books and supplies stipend.

Tip: The Veterans Choice Act may entitle you to in-state tuition rates even if you haven't lived in the state where your school is located, as long as you are using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits. Some schools extend these rates even after federal benefits are fully used. Check with individual schools for their policy.

Click here to apply for Chapter 33 benefits

Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA)

Chapter 35 is different from Chapter 33. It provides a monthly stipend to dependents and survivors of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled (100% rating) due to a service-connected condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-connected condition.

The current full-time rate is $1,574 per month (October 2025 through September 2026). Three-quarter time pays $1,243/month, and half-time pays $910/month.

This is where stacking gets powerful: Chapter 35 can be used alongside most state tuition waivers listed below. If your state waives tuition and you also receive the Chapter 35 monthly stipend, your out-of-pocket costs for college can drop to near zero.

Key details about Chapter 35:

• Monthly stipend paid directly to the student
• Check expiration dates for spouses and dependents
• Click here to apply for Chapter 35
• Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility and submit it to your School Certifying Official
• You must verify enrollment every month by text, email, online, or phone call
• Contact the VA Education Center with questions: 888-442-4551
• High schoolers may receive 5 extra months of benefits

Fry Scholarship

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship provides Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Benefits are similar to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, including tuition, fees, a housing allowance, and a books stipend.

Click here to apply for the Fry Scholarship

Prep Courses, Licensing, and Certification Tests

The GI Bill can also cover certain licensing and certification tests. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to search for approved tests. Select "Both" on the LAC Category Type dropdown to see the full list. Over 2,000 tests are covered, including:

• NCLEX (Nursing License)
• Barber, Cosmetology, and Esthetician exams
• Bar Exam Review Courses
• CISCO, CompTIA A+
• Teaching certifications (Virginia, California, Texas, and others)

How to Verify Your School Is Certified

To confirm a school or university is approved for VA education benefits, use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Once results appear, click on your school's name and scroll near the bottom of the page. The School Certifying Official (SCO) and their contact information will be listed there.

If you need help, contact your State Approving Agency (SAA). According to the VA, SAAs are generally responsible for approving education and training programs in their states. They serve as the pathway for a program's recognition as eligible for VA education benefit payments. Schools seeking to offer VA-eligible training should start by contacting their SAA.

Important Tips Before Using Federal Benefits

• In-state tuition: You may be eligible for in-state rates through the Veterans Choice Act even if you haven't lived in the state where the school is located, as long as you're using federal benefits. Learn more about the Veterans Choice Act
• One federal benefit at a time: Only one federal benefit may be used at a time. Contact a Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for assistance choosing the right benefit for your situation.
• Disability compensation impact: A veteran's disability compensation may decrease when a dependent uses certain federal benefits, specifically Chapter 35 benefits. Plan accordingly.

State Education Benefits

The following states offer generous tuition waivers, especially for dependents of veterans rated 90% or higher with permanent and total (P&T) disability. Most of these state benefits can be used alongside federal benefits, which is what makes them so powerful when paired with Chapter 35.

Hawaii and Mississippi have pending state legislation that may add similar benefits. Check with those states' veteran services offices for updates.

How To Stack Federal And State Benefits

The real savings come from combining benefits. Here is a common scenario:

• A veteran is rated 100% P&T disabled by the VA.
• Their dependent child qualifies for a state tuition waiver (covering tuition and fees at a public university).
• The same child also qualifies for Chapter 35 DEA, providing $1,574/month to help cover housing, books, and living expenses.
• Result: The dependent may attend a state university with little to no out-of-pocket cost.

The combination of a state tuition waiver plus Chapter 35 is one of the most underused strategies in veteran education benefits. Not every family knows both programs exist or that they can be layered together.

Next Steps

Education benefits for veterans and their families are among the most generous programs available, but they only work if you know about them and apply. Take the time to research what your state offers and stack it with federal benefits for the best outcome.

Why This Matters: As college becomes more expensive, families need to make sure they are taking all available steps to reduce costs. For military veterans and their families, VA education benefits are a fantastic tool. But navigating these options, both federal and state programs, can be confusing.

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