Tuition Waiver for Dependents of Totally Disabled, POW/MIA or Deceased Veterans and National Guard Members
Washington public colleges and universities (state-mandated, RCW 28B.15.621)
Free tuition and fees (up to 250 quarter credits) plus a $500/yr book stipend at Washington public colleges for children and spouses of veterans or Guard members who died, were 100% disabled, or are POW/MIA from active federal service.
- How much
- all tuition and fees at Washington public colleges (up to 250 quarter credits) plus a $500/yr book stipend if funded
- Who qualifies
- child (age 17-26), spouse or domestic partner of an eligible veteran/National Guard member who died, was 100% disabled, or is POW/MIA from active federal service
- Washington domiciliary; children must be 17-26; surviving spouses/partners have 10 years from the qualifying date and lose eligibility on remarriage; the veteran/Guard member must have served in a war or conflict on foreign soil or in support of it and, if discharged, been honorably discharged; satisfactory progress.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Apply any time Ongoing; apply through your college each term
- How to apply
- Contact the financial aid or veterans office at the Washington public college or university you plan to attend
- Each school administers the waiver
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (dva.wa.gov), page 2, page 3 and page 4
The details
Washington public universities, regional universities, Evergreen and community/technical colleges must waive all undergraduate tuition and fees for the child, spouse or domestic partner of an eligible veteran or National Guard member who became totally (100% VA-rated) disabled, was declared POW/MIA, or died as a result of active federal military or naval service. Graduate waivers are encouraged but not required. Subject to amounts appropriated, recipients also get a $500 per academic year textbook stipend (prorated for part-time). Full- or part-time; total credits under the waiver may not exceed 250 quarter credits (or semester equivalent). Private colleges are encouraged but not required to offer it.
More money from Washington
- Washington College Grant (WA Grant)up to full tuition; 2026-27 maximum $13,203/yr (University of Washington), $5,095 at community and technical colleges; partial awards (60%, 50%, 24.5%, 10%) at higher incomes
- WSOS Baccalaureate Scholarship (BaS)$2,500 per year until accepted into the major, then $5,000, $7,500 and $5,000 in the following years
- WA Grant for Apprenticeship (WG-A)up to $2,548 (2026-27 maximum); based on family income, may be prorated
- College Bound (formerly College Bound Scholarship)free public-college tuition when combined with WA Grant; 2026-27 maximum combined awards from $5,595 (community/technical colleges) to $13,703 (University of Washington)
- Opportunity Granttuition and fees for up to 45 credits, plus up to $1,000 for books and supplies
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Idaho, Oregon
- 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.