Free Tuition for Children of Veterans Who Died During Service
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs / Board of Regents
Apply any time
100% tuition waiver at South Dakota state schools for residents under 25 whose parent died on active duty.
- How much
- 100% tuition waiver
- Who qualifies
- Child of a service member who died on active duty
- Under age 25; SD resident; parent was an SD resident 6+ months before entering service.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; apply before/at enrollment.
- How to apply
- Complete form E-12 and submit it to the SD Department of Veterans Affairs for validation, then turn the validated form in to your school's registrar
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (vetaffairs.sd.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
SDCL 13-55-6 to 13-55-9. South Dakota residents younger than 25 whose mother or father was killed in action or died of other causes while on active duty in the US Armed Forces get free tuition at a state-supported school, if the deceased parent was a South Dakota resident for at least six months immediately before entering active service.
More money from South Dakota
- South Dakota Opportunity ScholarshipUp to $7,500 over four years ($1,500 in years 1-3, $3,000 in year 4)
- South Dakota Need-Based Grant (Needs Based Scholarship)$500 to $2,000
- Jump Start Scholarship$1,500 (first year only, split between fall and spring)
- Reduced Tuition for Residents 65 and Older45% off tuition
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Wyoming
- 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.