Dependents Tuition Waiver (children and spouses of Tennessee veterans killed, POW or MIA)
State of Tennessee (Tennessee Department of Veterans Services; T.C.A. 49-7-102)
Free tuition and fees at Tennessee public colleges for children (under 23) and spouses of Tennessee service members killed, missing in action or held as prisoners of war during a period of armed conflict.
- How much
- Free tuition, maintenance fees, student activity fees and registration fees at Tennessee public colleges and universities
- Who qualifies
- Child (under 23) or spouse of a Tennessee service member killed, died of service injuries, POW or MIA during a period of armed conflict
- Parent was a Tennessee resident at the time of death; U.S. Government certificate required; not receiving benefits under Public Law 634 (federal DEA) or similar federal laws; state-operated colleges and universities only.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; arranged with the college before or during enrollment.
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid office at the Tennessee public college you plan to attend and present the U.S
- Government certificate
- What you'll need
- See how to apply
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (tn.gov) and page 2
The details
A dependent child under 23, or spouse, of a parent who was killed or died from injuries received, or was officially reported a prisoner of war or missing in action, while serving in the Armed Forces during a qualifying period of armed conflict is entitled to free tuition, maintenance, student activity and registration fees at Tennessee state-operated colleges and universities. The parent must have been a Tennessee resident at the time of death. The student must present a U.S. Government certificate and can't be receiving benefits under Public Law 634 or similar federal laws. TDVS adds that eligibility ends at age 23 for a child, at 135 earned or 150 attempted credit hours, and for a spouse 10 years after the death or on remarriage.
More money from Tennessee
- Tennessee HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior) at four-year colleges; up to $1,600 per full-time semester at two-year colleges; summer included (annual maximum up to $8,550)
- Tennessee Nontraditional HOPE ScholarshipUp to $2,250 per full-time semester (freshman/sophomore) and up to $2,850 per full-time semester (junior/senior), including summers
- Ned McWherter Scholars Program$6,000 per academic year ($3,000 state + $3,000 institutional match)
- Middle College Scholarship$2,000 per semester ($4,000 per year)
- Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)Up to $4,000 per year at private four-year/two-year colleges; up to $2,000 per year at public colleges, private career schools and TCATs
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Virginia
- 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.