Free Tuition for Dependents of Peace Officers, Firefighters and EMTs Killed or Disabled on Duty
University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges (W.S. 21-16-1501)
Free tuition and fees for up to 10 semesters at UW or a Wyoming community college for dependents of Wyoming peace officers, firefighters and EMTs who died or were disabled in the line of duty.
- How much
- Free tuition and fees for up to 10 semesters
- Who qualifies
- Dependent of a Wyoming peace officer, firefighter (paid or volunteer) or EMT (paid or volunteer) killed or disabled in the line of duty
- Under 22 at the parent's/guardian's death or disability and at first enrollment; use at UW or a Wyoming community college; 2.0 cumulative GPA to continue.
- For students starting college, undergrads
- When to apply
- Apply any time No fixed deadline; request certification from the college before enrolling.
- How to apply
- Apply to the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college and ask the financial aid office to certify eligibility
- The college determines whether the parent/guardian qualifies and died or was disabled in the scope of duty (death benefits paid under Wyoming Worker's Compensation are conclusive proof)
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (wyoleg.gov)
The details
State law requires the University of Wyoming and Wyoming community colleges to provide free tuition and fees, up to a cumulative 10 semesters (transferable between institutions), to surviving dependents of a qualified peace officer, paid or volunteer firefighter, or paid or volunteer EMT who died in the scope of duty in Wyoming, and to dependents of those who suffered a qualifying line-of-duty disability (unable to continue duties and receiving disability retirement or workers' compensation). The student must have been under 22 at the time of the death or disability and at first enrollment, and must use the benefit within 8 academic years of first receiving it (exceptions for military/religious service or good cause). Continuing eligibility requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA from the end of the spring of the 3rd or 4th semester onward.
More money from Wyoming
- Hathaway Scholarship$1,180 to $2,360 per semester depending on tier (Honors $2,360; Performance $1,770; Opportunity $1,180; Provisional $1,180)
- Wyoming Works GrantStandard Grant up to $2,360 per academic year; Critical Grant up to $4,720 per academic year (2026-27)
- Wyoming's Tomorrow ScholarshipUp to $1,800 per semester (full-time), up to $7,200 total
- Hathaway Scholarship Need-Based Supplement25% of annual unmet need, up to $2,120 per year (Performance, Opportunity, Provisional); 100% of unmet need for Honors recipients
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah
- 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.