Free Tuition for Children and Spouses of National Guard Members Disabled or Killed in the Line of Duty
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs / Board of Regents
Apply any time
Free tuition at South Dakota state schools for children (under 25) and spouses of South Dakota National Guard members who died or were permanently and totally disabled on duty.
- How much
- Free tuition
- Who qualifies
- Child or spouse of an SD National Guard member who died or was permanently disabled on duty
- Children must be under 25; SD resident.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- 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 it 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 13-55-10. South Dakota residents under 25 whose parent died or became totally and permanently disabled from duty as a member of the South Dakota National Guard (state or federal active duty or authorized training) get free tuition at any state university; resident spouses of such members get free tuition at any state-supported university or technical college.
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.