Free Tuition for Dependents of POWs and MIAs
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs / Board of Regents
Apply any time
Free tuition and mandatory fees at South Dakota state schools for children and spouses of prisoners of war or service members missing in action.
- How much
- Free tuition and mandatory fees
- Who qualifies
- Child or spouse of a POW/MIA service member
- Not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits.
- 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 13-55-9.1 to 13-55-9.7. Children (born before or during the MIA/POW period, or adopted/in the legal custody of the parent) and spouses of people declared prisoners of war or missing in action may attend a state-supported school without paying tuition or mandatory fees, if not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits. Benefits are not lost if the parent returns or dies.
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.