Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits (VDEB)
100% tuition and fee waiver at Maine public institutions for spouses and children of 100% disabled or deceased veterans.
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Apply directly through the official Maine agency.
About this benefit
Eligibility
Spouse or dependent child of a veteran who (1) has a 100% total permanent service-connected disability rating, OR (2) is deceased and had been totally and permanently disabled, OR (3) is active-duty MIA/captured/detained for 90+ days. The veteran must have entered service from Maine or been a Maine resident for 5 years.
Covers
100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees at UMaine System, Maine Community Colleges, and Maine Maritime Academy. Up to 120 credit hours for spouses; up to 120 undergraduate credit hours for children.
Estimated value
$44,000+ for a 4-year degree at UMaine.
How to apply
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. Contact: 207-430-6035. Students must also apply for FAFSA and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. Spouses have 10 years from first entrance to complete the benefit.
Verified against official source
Last checked 2026-05-06 against www.maine.gov. Always confirm current rates and rules with the Maine state agency before applying.
Other Maine Education & Training
In-State Tuition for All Veterans
In-state tuition rates at Maine public institutions for any veteran regardless of state of residence.
Up to $20,000/year savings
Maine National Guard Tuition Waiver
100% tuition waiver at Maine state institutions for active National Guard members (up to 5 years or 130 semester hours).
Full tuition waiver
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