Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans
Free tuition at SD state-supported institutions for children (under 25) of veterans killed in action or who died while on active duty.
State BenefitSouth DakotaEducation & Training
Verified May 12, 2026 against vetaffairs.sd.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Education & Training — South Dakota
- Who it's for
- Survivors, Dependents
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Estimated value
- $32,000-$40,000+ over four years
- Where it applies
- South Dakota
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans?
Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans is a South Dakota education & training benefit for survivors, dependents. Free tuition at SD state-supported institutions for children (under 25) of veterans killed in action or who died while on active duty. The listed value is $32,000-$40,000+ over four years.
Who qualifies
- Survivors
- Dependents
- Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
- South Dakota residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Children must be under age 25 and SD residents. Parent must have been killed in action or died of other causes while on active duty. The veteran parent must have been a bona fide SD resident for at least 6 months before entering active service.
What Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans covers
Covers
Full tuition at SD state-supported universities and technical colleges.
Estimated value
Potentially $32,000-$40,000+ over four years.
How to apply for Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans
How to apply
Complete Form E-12 and send it with the veteran's DD-214 and supporting documents to the SD Dept of Veterans Affairs, which validates it and returns it to you to turn in at your school's Registrar's Office.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- vetaffairs.sd.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.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans
Who qualifies for Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans?
Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans is for Survivors, Dependents; Through veteran sponsor (any rating); south dakota residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased Veterans worth?
The listed value is $32,000-$40,000+ over four years. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Free Tuition for Dependents of Deceased 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 Dependents of Deceased 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 Dakota Education & Training
- South Dakota National Guard Tuition Assistance$32,000-$40,000+ for undergraduate degree100% tuition reduction at state-supported universities for active SD National Guard members (up to 128 credits).
- Free Tuition for Dependents of POWs/MIAsFull tuition and mandatory feesFree tuition and mandatory fees at state-supported schools for children and spouses of POWs or MIAs.
- Free Tuition for Dependents of National Guard Members (Deceased/Disabled)Full undergraduate tuitionFree tuition for children (under 25) and spouses of SD National Guard members who died or became totally disabled in line of duty.
- In-State Tuition for Nonresident Veterans and DependentsSavings of several thousand dollars per yearNonresident veterans, service members, and dependents are considered residents for tuition purposes at SD public institutions.