What is the veteran tuition waiver in CT?
Connecticut offers a tuition waiver to veterans attending public colleges and universities. The state will pay the difference if the veteran's Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits don't cover the full tuition cost.
Visit these schools to check your eligibility and see what the waiver covers:
- Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)
- University of Connecticut (UConn)
- Charter Oak State College (eligible military veterans receive a 50 percent tuition waiver)
Do veterans get free tuition in Connecticut?
Waivers only pay the cost of tuition on eligible for-credit courses. They do not pay for course fees, books, parking, travel, or room and board.
Read the “Veterans Tuition Waiver” (PDF) to learn more.
Other types of financial aid for veterans
Not all schools offer tuition waivers. However, veterans may qualify for other types of financial aid from federal and state governments. You should also check your school, community, and veterans groups for scholarships and grants. One place to look is American Veterans (AMVETS).
See a Financial Aid Resources (PDF) list of military families that may qualify.
In-state tuition help for veterans
Active military personnel stationed in CT, including spouses and dependents, may be eligible for in-state tuition at UConn and CSCU.
Veterans education benefits
The VA offers money to help veterans pay for school and other expenses while they train for a job. These are the main benefit programs that schools and training facilities accept:
- Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (Chapter 30).
- Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606).
- Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP - Chapter 32).
- Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33).
- Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35).
Visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more about these programs and benefits.
Yellow Ribbon Program
Some accredited schools take part in the Yellow Ribbon Program from the VA. The program can help you afford certain out-of-state, private, foreign, or graduate schools. Learn more, see if you’re eligible, and find a Yellow Ribbon School.
Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance (TA) program
In general, eligible active duty Service members can receive TA at a rate of $250 per semester hour cap with an annual ceiling of $4,500. Courses should have the approval of the U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
Learn more on the DoD website.
Where to use veteran education benefits in Connecticut
Veteran students can use their education benefits in VA-approved schools, programs, and training centers. The VA works with CT’s Office of Higher Education (OHE) State Approval Agency (SAA) to approve a range of:
- Colleges and universities, including the Alternate Route to Teacher Certification program
- Business, occupational, and trade schools
- High schools and public vocational-technical schools
- Hospital programs such as nursing and EMT-B
- Hairdressing and cosmetology schools
- Apprenticeships and on-the-job training
- Commercial flight training
- Entrepreneurial training
- Licensure or certification tests
- National admission tests
Read "Where to Use Your GI Bill Benefits in Connecticut" (PDF) to learn more.
Use the Weams Public Search to locate approved sites.
More veteran student college resources
Not sure what to study or train for once you leave military life?
- Visit the Veterans Services page on the Connecticut Department of Labor website for help.
- Need help getting your federal, state, and local benefits? Visit the Connecticut Veterans Affairs website.
- Find out if a program, exam, or school is VA-approved. Visit the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) website.