Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
Tuition-free education for up to 8 semesters at Virginia public colleges for dependents of 90%+ disabled or deceased veterans.
State BenefitVirginiaEducation & Training
Verified May 12, 2026 against law.lis.virginia.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Education & Training — Virginia
- Who it's for
- Spouses, Survivors, Dependents
- VA rating needed
- 90% or higher
- Estimated value
- Up to $48,000-$144,000+ (8 semesters tuition-free)
- Where it applies
- Virginia
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)?
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is a Virginia education & training benefit for spouses, survivors, dependents. Tuition-free education for up to 8 semesters at Virginia public colleges for dependents of 90%+ disabled or deceased veterans. Veteran sponsor needs 90%+ VA rating. The listed value is Up to $48,000-$144,000+ (8 semesters tuition-free).
Who qualifies
- Spouses
- Survivors
- Dependents
- Veteran sponsor needs 90%+ VA rating
- Virginia residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Spouse (no age limit) or child (ages 16-29, with possible extenuating-circumstance extension by Commissioner) of a veteran who has a 100% permanent and total service-connected disability, OR has at least a 90% permanent service-connected disability, OR was killed in action, died in line of duty, is MIA, or was a POW. The military service member must have been domiciled in, or physically present in, Virginia for at least 5 years immediately prior to the admission application. Student must be admitted to a Virginia public institution or Eastern Virginia Medical School.
What Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) covers
Covers
Waiver of ALL tuition and mandatory fees for up to 8 semesters (~4 years). Tier 2 includes a stipend amount set annually by SCHEV based on enrollment status, participating students, and available funding. Apply 60+ days before tuition due.
Estimated value
In-state tuition at Virginia public universities ranges from ~$6,000-$18,000/year, so total value could be $48,000-$144,000+.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- law.lis.virginia.gov
- Apply at
- dvs.virginia.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 Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
Who qualifies for Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)?
Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is for Spouses, Survivors, Dependents; Veteran sponsor needs 90%+ VA rating; virginia residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
What VA disability rating do I need for Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)?
Veteran sponsor needs 90%+ VA rating.
How much is Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) worth?
The listed value is Up to $48,000-$144,000+ (8 semesters tuition-free). Amounts can change — confirm the current figure at the official source linked on this page.
How do I apply for Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)?
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 Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)?
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.