Tuition Waiver for Survivors of Firefighters, EMS Personnel and Peace Officers
North Dakota University System
Free tuition and fees at ND public colleges for the spouse and children (under 21) of ND firefighters, EMS personnel and peace officers killed in the line of duty.
- How much
- Full tuition and fees at ND state colleges and universities (up to 45 months / 10 semesters)
- Who qualifies
- Surviving spouse or child of an ND firefighter, EMS worker or peace officer who died in the line of duty
- Child must have been under 21 at the time of death; degree or certificate within 45 months / 10 semesters.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; request through the campus.
- How to apply
- Get accepted at an NDUS campus and contact its financial aid office to request the waiver
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (ndus.edu) and page 2
The details
Under NDCC 15-10-18.5, if a firefighter (paid or volunteer), emergency medical services worker or peace officer (including correctional officers) dies from injuries received in the line of duty, the survivor (spouse, or biological, adopted or stepchild under 21 at the time of death) may earn a bachelor's degree or certificate at an ND state institution free of tuition and fees (excluding aviation flight charges), completed within 45 months or 10 semesters.
More money from North Dakota
- North Dakota State GrantUp to $1,375 per semester or $917 per quarter (2026-27)
- North Dakota Scholarship$6,000 total: $750 per semester, $500 per quarter, clock-hour term or apprenticeship term
- Dual-Credit Tuition Scholarship$250 (one course), $500 (two), $750 (three or more); one-time
- North Dakota Scholars ProgramFull undergraduate tuition (NDUS rate at 15 credits per semester)
- Nursing Education Scholarship (NES) ProgramNot published (one-time award per degree level)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota
- 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.