State Benefit·South Carolina·🎓Education & Training

Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans

Free tuition at SC state-supported colleges and universities for children (age 26 or younger) of qualifying veterans.

Verified May 12, 2026againstscdva.sc.gov

At a glance

Benefit type: Education & Training — South Carolina
Who it's for: Dependents
VA rating needed: No rating requirement
Estimated value: $5,000-$13,000/year
Where it applies: South Carolina
Last verified: May 12, 2026

What is Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans?

Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans is a South Carolina education & training benefit for dependents. Free tuition at SC state-supported colleges and universities for children (age 26 or younger) of qualifying veterans. The listed value is $5,000-$13,000/year.

Who qualifies

Dependents

Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
South Carolina residency

How to apply

Apply through the official South Carolina agency.

Open application

What Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans covers

Overview

Eligibility (per SC Code 59-111-20): Child must be age 26 or younger pursuing an undergraduate degree. Veteran parent must have served honorably during a US war period (as defined by Section 101 of Title 38 U.S.C.) and meet one of nine qualifying circumstances, including: killed in action, died from service-connected cause, permanently and totally disabled from any cause (per VA determination), missing in action, former POW, or awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor or Purple Heart. Both student and veteran (if living) must have established SC residency for at least 12 continuous months prior to application and remain current residents.

Covers

Tuition only (fees still apply) for undergraduate programs at SC state-supported colleges, universities, or technical institutions. Benefits begin upon receipt of approved application (not retroactive).

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: scdva.sc.gov

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

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Frequently asked questions about Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans

Who qualifies for Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans?▾

Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans is for Dependents; Through veteran sponsor (any rating); south carolina residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.

How much is Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans worth?▾

The listed value is $5,000-$13,000/year. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.

How do I apply for Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans?▾

Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

Where can I verify Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans?▾

Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

Other South Carolina Education & Training

In-State Tuition for Veterans and Dependents

In-state tuition and fee rates at SC public institutions for active duty, veterans, retirees, and dependents.

$20,000+/year savings vs out-of-state

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