ND Dependent Tuition Waiver (Veterans' Dependents)
North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs / North Dakota University System
Free tuition and fees at ND public colleges for dependents of ND veterans killed in action, 100% service-connected disabled, POW or MIA.
- How much
- Full tuition and fees at ND state colleges and universities
- Who qualifies
- Dependent (child, stepchild, spouse, widow/widower) of a veteran killed in action, 100% service-connected disabled, POW or MIA
- ND residency conditions per NDCC 15-10-18.2; undergraduate degree or certificate at an ND state institution.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; request through the campus before or during enrollment.
- How to apply
- Get accepted at an NDUS campus, then contact that campus's financial aid or veterans services office with proof of the veteran's status and your relationship
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (veterans.nd.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Under NDCC 15-10-18.2 and 15-10-18.3, a qualifying dependent (child, stepchild, spouse, widow or widower) of a resident veteran who was killed in action, died of service-connected causes, is rated 100% service-connected disabled (including individual unemployability), was a POW or was declared MIA can earn a bachelor's degree or certificate at an ND state institution free of tuition and fees (excluding aviation flight charges). Residency rules depend on whether the veteran or the other parent was an ND resident. Widows/widowers receiving VA Dependency and Indemnity Compensation also qualify.
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.