Free Tuition for Veterans
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs / Board of Regents
Free undergraduate tuition at South Dakota public universities and technical colleges for eligible South Dakota veterans who have no federal education benefits left.
- How much
- Free tuition (1 month per month of qualifying service; 1 to 4 academic years)
- Who qualifies
- Veteran (honorable discharge, wartime service)
- Current SD resident; not eligible for federal education benefits; tuition only (fees not covered).
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Apply any time No deadline; apply through SD Dept. of Veterans Affairs before/at enrollment.
- How to apply
- Complete form E-11 (available from the school's financial aid, veterans or registrar's office) and send it with your DD-214 to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, which validates it for your school
- 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 13-55-2 to 13-55-5. Eligible veterans get one month of free tuition for each month of qualifying service (active duty during a period of conflict/hostilities), minimum one and maximum four academic years, for undergraduate courses at state-supported universities and technical colleges. Must have an honorable discharge, be a current South Dakota resident qualifying for in-state tuition, meet the 'veteran' definition in SDCL 33A-2-1 and 33A-2-2, and not be eligible for GI Bill or other federal education payments.
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.