Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits
Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services
Free tuition and mandatory fees at Maine's public colleges for children and spouses of Maine veterans who were killed, totally disabled, or are MIA/POW.
- How much
- 100% of tuition and mandatory fees at Maine public colleges
- Who qualifies
- Child or spouse of a Maine veteran with 100% permanent service-connected disability, killed in action, died of service-connected disability, or MIA/POW
- Veteran entered service from Maine or was a Maine resident 5 years before application. Children: age 16+, high school graduate, start before 22. Spouses may use the benefit for a master's degree. 120 credit-hour cap; 10-year limit. Must apply for a Pell Grant.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; children must be awarded benefits before age 22 (26 if delayed by military service).
- How to apply
- Apply through the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services (application linked from its Veterans Dependents Educational Benefits page), and file the FAFSA to apply for a Pell Grant
- What you'll need
- state application + FAFSA
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (maine.gov) and page 2
The details
100% waiver of tuition and all mandatory fees (and lab fees) at the University of Maine System, Maine Community Colleges and Maine Maritime Academy for the children and spouses of veterans who entered service from Maine or lived in Maine 5 years before applying (and still live there if living), and who: have a 100% total permanent service-connected disability; were killed in action; died from a service-connected disability; were totally and permanently disabled from service at death; or are active-duty members listed MIA, captured or detained over 90 days. Children (natural, adopted before 18, or stepchildren married-in 5+ years) must be at least 16, have graduated high school, and begin benefits before age 22 (26 if delayed by military service). Children: certificate, associate and bachelor's programs, up to 120 credit hours within 10 academic years. Spouses: certificate through master's programs, up to 120 credit hours within 10 years. Room and board not covered. Must keep a 2.0 GPA and must apply for a Federal Pell Grant.
More money from Maine
- Doctors for Maine's Future Scholarshipup to 50% of cost of attendance or $25,000 per year, whichever is less
- Competitive Skills Scholarship Program (CSSP)up to $10,000 per year full time; up to $5,000 per year part time
- Maine State Grant Programup to $2,500 per year (2026-27); up to $1,250 for half-time to less-than-full-time students
- Maine Free College Scholarship (Maine Community College System)100% of tuition after federal and state grants (class of 2026+); 100% of tuition and mandatory fees (2024 and 2025 graduates)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: New Hampshire
- 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.