Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Kentucky Police Officers and Firefighters Killed or Disabled in the Line of Duty
Commonwealth of Kentucky (KRS 164.2841 / 164.2842), granted by public colleges
Free tuition at Kentucky public colleges for the children and spouses of Kentucky law enforcement officers and firefighters (including volunteers) killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty.
- How much
- Full tuition and matriculation fees at Kentucky public colleges (up to 36 months for dependents of disabled responders)
- Who qualifies
- Child or spouse of a Kentucky law enforcement officer, firefighter or volunteer firefighter killed or permanently and totally disabled in the line of duty
- Deceased responder must have been a Kentucky resident when they began service; for disability waivers, children must be over 17 and under 23.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No statewide deadline; varies by institution — contact the financial aid office before enrollment.
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid office of the Kentucky public college before enrolling, with proof of relationship (birth/adoption/marriage certificate) and certification of the officer's or firefighter's service and death or disability from the employing agency or the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (apps.legislature.ky.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
KRS 164.2841(1): children and un-remarried surviving spouses of a law enforcement officer, firefighter or volunteer firefighter who was a Kentucky resident when they began service and was killed in active service or training, or died of a service-connected disability, pay no matriculation or tuition fees at any state-supported university, community college or vocational school (no time limit stated; can be combined with other scholarships). KRS 164.2842(1): the spouse (any age) and children aged 17-22 of an officer or firefighter rated permanently and totally disabled from an injury in active service or training get free tuition and matriculation fees for up to 36 months.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- College Access Program (CAP) GrantUp to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic year
- Early Graduation Scholarship CertificateOne-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)Varies: $187-$500 per year of college for each high school year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT bonus up to $500 and AP/IB/CAI supplements of $200-$300 per qualifying score (free/reduced lunch students)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.