West Virginia War Orphan Education Program
West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance (WVDVA)
Free tuition and fees at West Virginia public colleges plus up to $1,000 a semester ($2,000 a year) for living costs for children (16-25) and spouses of WV veterans killed in action or who died from war service.
- How much
- Tuition and fees waived at WV public institutions, plus up to $1,000 per semester (max $2,000 per year) for living expenses
- Who qualifies
- Child (age 16-25) or surviving spouse of a veteran with WV as state of record who was killed in action or died of war service
- Enrolled at a West Virginia post-secondary education or training institution.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- When to apply
- Open now · due January 31, 2027 Each semester: fall by August 31, spring by January 31; no retroactive awards.
- How to apply
- Each semester, mail the War Orphan Education Program application (signed by your school's certifying official) with proof of enrollment, the veteran's DD-214 and, if death came after discharge, proof linking it to war service, to WVDVA, 1900 Kanawha Blvd E, Bldg 5 Suite 205, Charleston, WV 25305
- A WVDVA Veterans Service Officer can help
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (veterans.wv.gov) and page 2
The details
Qualifying students are not charged tuition and fees by a West Virginia post-secondary education or training institution (beyond what federal DEA Chapter 35 or the Fry Scholarship pays, and in full once those are exhausted, per WVDVA). WVDVA also pays up to $1,000 per semester and $2,000 per year toward room, board, books and other living expenses; the amount fluctuates with the number of applicants. Eligibility: age 16-25 (veteran's spouses exempt from the age limit); enrolled at a West Virginia post-secondary education or training institution; the veteran parent (or spouse) designated West Virginia as state of record at enlistment, served on active duty under Title 10, and was killed in action or died as a result of war service. No retroactive applications.
More money from West Virginia
- West Virginia PROMISE ScholarshipUp to $5,500 per year (or tuition and mandatory fees, whichever is less)
- West Virginia Higher Education GrantUp to $3,400 per year at eligible West Virginia schools; up to $600 per year at eligible Pennsylvania schools (2026-27)
- Future Workforce Grant (formerly HEAPS Workforce)Up to $2,000 per academic year
- Reduced Tuition for Senior Citizens (60 and older)Non-credit: up to $50 per course; for credit: no more than 50% of normal resident tuition and fees
- West Virginia Invests GrantTuition, mandatory fees and approved academic program fees not covered by other grants or waivers (last-dollar)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 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.