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State Benefit·Tennessee·🎓Education & Training

Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)

Waiver of tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, and registration fees at TN state institutions for dependents of veterans killed in action, deceased from service injuries, or POW/MIA.

Verified May 12, 2026againsttn.gov

At a glance

Benefit type
Education & Training — Tennessee
Who it's for
Spouses, Survivors, Dependents
VA rating needed
No rating requirement
Estimated value
$8,000-$13,000/year
Where it applies
Tennessee
Last verified
May 12, 2026

What is Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)?

Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans) is a Tennessee education & training benefit for spouses, survivors, dependents. Waiver of tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees, and registration fees at TN state institutions for dependents of veterans killed in action, deceased from service injuries, or POW/MIA. The listed value is $8,000-$13,000/year.

Who qualifies

SpousesSurvivorsDependents
  • Through veteran sponsor (any rating)
  • Tennessee residency

How to apply

Apply through the official Tennessee agency.

Open application

What Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans) covers

Overview

Eligibility (TCA 49-7-102): Dependent child (under 23 years of age) or spouse of a veteran who was killed, died as a direct result of injuries received, or was officially reported as POW/MIA while serving honorably in the U.S. armed forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict. Veteran must have been a TN resident at time of death. Applicants must present a certificate from the U.S. Government. Cannot simultaneously receive benefits under Public Law 634 or similar federal laws offering like benefits.

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: tn.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 Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)

Who qualifies for Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans)?▾
Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans) is for Spouses, Survivors, Dependents; Through veteran sponsor (any rating); tennessee residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How much is Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW Veterans) worth?▾
The listed value is $8,000-$13,000/year. Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW 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 Dependent/Spouse Tuition Waiver (Deceased/POW 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 Tennessee Education & Training

Helping Heroes Grant (Education)

$1,000/semester (full-time, 12+ hours) or $500/semester (part-time, 6-11 hours) for up to 8 semesters for veterans with qualifying campaign medals.

Up to $8,000 total

In-State Tuition for Veterans

Veterans (or dependents) using VA education benefits pay in-state tuition at TN public institutions, regardless of formal state of residency.

$10,000-$20,000+/year savings

Early Class Registration for Veterans

Veteran students at TN public institutions may register for classes before the general student population (TCA 49-7-152).

Tennessee STRONG Act (National Guard Tuition)

Last-dollar tuition reimbursement for active TN National Guard members pursuing a first bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited TN institution.

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