State Benefit·Kentucky·🎓Education & Training

Kentucky Tuition Waiver Program (Dependents/Spouses)

Tuition waiver at Kentucky state schools for children, spouses, and surviving spouses of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.

Verified May 12, 2026againstveterans.ky.gov

Who qualifies

SpousesSurvivorsDependents
  • Veteran sponsor needs 100%+ VA rating
  • Kentucky residency

How to apply

Up to $45,000+ in tuition waiver

Apply through the official Kentucky agency.

Open application

Details

Eligibility

Children (under age 26), stepchildren, adopted children, spouses, and unremarried widow(er)s of Kentucky veterans who: died on active duty, OR died as a direct result of a service-connected disability, OR are 100% service-connected disabled, OR are totally disabled (non-service-connected) with wartime service. The veteran must be (or have been) a Kentucky resident. No age limit for spouses/widow(er)s. Children with certain birth defects linked to military service (such as spina bifida) may also qualify.

Covers

Waiver of tuition only (not room, board, books, or fees) for up to 45 months at two-year, four-year, or vocational-technical Kentucky public institutions. In-state tuition at University of Kentucky is roughly $6,500/semester.

How to apply

Contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA.TuitionWaiver@ky.gov or 502-503-7911).

Always confirm current rates and rules with the Kentucky state agency before applying.

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