POW-MIA Tuition Benefit Program
New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs (Veterans Benefits Bureau)
Check dates
Free undergraduate tuition at NJ public or private colleges for children of NJ service members declared POW or MIA after January 1, 1960.
- How much
- free undergraduate tuition
- Who qualifies
- child of a New Jersey service member officially declared POW or MIA after January 1, 1960
- Must attend a public or private New Jersey institution; parent must have been a NJ resident at entry into service or have official NJ residence.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Check dates No deadline published; contact the Veterans Benefits Bureau.
- How to apply
- Apply through the NJ Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Benefits Bureau (609-530-6949, vbb@dva.nj.gov)
- A copy of DD Form 1300 must be included
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 24, 2026, against the official page (nj.gov)
The details
Free undergraduate tuition for any child born or adopted before or during the period their parent was officially declared a prisoner of war or missing in action after January 1, 1960. The POW/MIA parent must have been a NJ resident on entering service or have official NJ residence. The child must attend a public or private NJ institution.
More money from New Jersey
- Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Graduate Grant$200 to $4,900 per year
- Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) Undergraduate Grant$200 to $3,050 per year
- NJ STARS IIup to $1,250 per semester (up to 4 semesters)
- Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG)remaining tuition (up to 18 credits per term) and approved fees after other grants
- Garden State Guarantee (GSG)covers remaining tuition and fees (net price of $0) in years 3 and 4
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania
- 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.