If you're the child of a military veteran, you may qualify for a college application fee waiver that saves you $50 to $100 per application. Many states have laws or programs that waive application fees at public colleges and universities for dependents of veterans, though the rules, eligibility, and process vary a lot depending on where you live and where you're applying.

What is a veteran child college application fee waiver?

A college application fee waiver lets eligible students skip the standard fee charged when submitting an application to a college or university. For children of veterans, several states mandate or encourage public institutions to waive these fees. Some states do it through legislation, others through individual university policies, and some through state education departments.

These waivers are separate from federal VA education benefits like the GI Bill or DEA (Chapter 35). Application fee waivers target the upfront cost of applying, while education benefits help pay tuition and living expenses once enrolled. Families often use both together.

Which states offer application fee waivers for veteran dependents?

There is no single national rule. Each state handles this differently. Here's what we know by state:

States with explicit fee waiver programs or laws

  • Texas Children of veterans who were Texas residents at the time of death or disability may qualify for fee waivers at state-supported schools. The Hazlewood Act covers tuition as well, but application fee waivers are often handled through the admissions office directly.
  • Illinois The state offers various benefits for veteran dependents, and some public universities waive application fees for children of disabled or deceased veterans. Contact each school's admissions office to confirm.
  • Florida Florida public universities commonly waive application fees for dependents of veterans with a service-connected disability. Documentation such as a VA rating letter is usually required.
  • Virginia Several Virginia public colleges waive application fees for children of veterans, particularly those who were killed in action or have a 100% service-connected disability.
  • California The University of California and California State University systems have historically offered fee waivers for veteran dependents through their financial aid offices.
  • Minnesota Dependents of veterans who died or became disabled during military service can apply for application fee waivers at state colleges and universities.
  • South Carolina State-supported institutions may waive application fees for children of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected condition.
  • Louisiana Beyond application fee waivers, Louisiana offers education grants for surviving dependents that can reduce overall college costs significantly.

States where it depends on the individual school

In many other states, fee waivers for veteran children aren't mandated by state law but are still offered by individual colleges. Schools in states like New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and North Carolina sometimes waive fees for military-connected students on a case-by-case basis. Always ask the admissions office directly.

Who typically qualifies?

Eligibility depends on the state, but the most common criteria include:

  • Child (biological, adopted, or stepchild) of a veteran
  • Parent served on active duty in the U.S. military
  • Parent was killed in action, died from a service-connected disability, or has a qualifying disability rating from the VA (often 50% or higher, sometimes 100%)
  • Some states require the veteran to have been a resident of that state
  • Student must be applying to a public college or university in that state (though some programs cover out-of-state applications too)

Some programs also extend to children of active-duty service members, National Guard members, or reservists not just veterans.

How do you apply for the waiver?

The process isn't the same everywhere, but these are the typical steps:

  1. Check the state's higher education website or the college's admissions page for specific fee waiver policies for military dependents.
  2. Gather your documents. You'll usually need the veteran's DD-214, VA disability rating letter, proof of relationship (birth certificate or similar), and sometimes proof of state residency.
  3. Submit a request. Some schools let you indicate veteran dependent status on the Common Application or Coalition Application. Others require a separate form or a direct email to the admissions office.
  4. Follow up. Don't assume it went through. Confirm with the admissions office that the fee was waived before the application deadline.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting until the last minute. Processing a fee waiver request can take days or weeks. If you wait until the application deadline, you might miss the window.

Assuming every school in your state participates. Even in states with fee waiver laws, not every institution follows the same policy. Community colleges may have different rules than four-year universities. Always verify with each school.

Confusing application fee waivers with tuition waivers. A fee waiver covers the $50–$100 application fee. It doesn't cover tuition, housing, or books. Those come from separate programs like the GI Bill transfer, state veteran education grants, or survivor education grants in states like Louisiana.

Not asking for help when you need it. If you're not sure whether you qualify, contact the school's veterans services office or your state's Department of Veterans Affairs. They deal with these questions regularly and can point you to the right form or person.

Can you use fee waivers for multiple applications?

Yes, in most cases. If you qualify for a veteran-dependent fee waiver, you can use it at every eligible school you apply to. You're not limited to one. This makes a real difference if you're applying to five or ten schools that's $250 to $1,000 in saved fees.

You can also combine a veteran-dependent fee waiver with other types of waivers. If you qualify for a College Board or NACAC fee waiver based on financial need, you can use both at different schools.

What if your state doesn't have a specific program?

You still have options:

  • Use the Common App fee waiver. On the Common Application, students can request a fee waiver based on financial hardship. A counselor's signature is usually enough.
  • Contact admissions directly. Many schools will waive the fee if you explain your situation, even without a formal program. A polite email to the admissions office goes further than most people think.
  • Look at military-affiliated organizations. Groups like the Pat Tillman Foundation, AMVETS, and state-level veterans organizations sometimes offer application support and fee coverage.
  • Check whether your family qualifies under broader state programs. Some states support military families through broader dependent and family support services that include educational assistance. Families in New Hampshire, for example, may find property assessment benefits for veterans that indirectly ease the financial burden of college planning.

Does this apply to graduate school applications too?

Most state-level fee waivers for veteran dependents focus on undergraduate admissions. Graduate school fee waivers are less common under state law but are sometimes available through individual university policies. If you're applying to graduate or professional programs, contact the specific department or admissions office and ask about military-connected fee waivers.

Where else can military families find support?

Application fees are just one part of the college cost equation. Military families with children heading to college should also look into:

  • State tuition waivers or reductions for veteran dependents
  • Federal VA education benefits (GI Bill Chapter 33, DEA Chapter 35, Fry Scholarship)
  • State-level education grants for survivors and dependents
  • Scholarships specifically for military-connected students
  • Military family support programs that cover substance abuse prevention and other dependent and family support needs

Families dealing with the loss of a service member should also explore state programs designed for military widows and children, as these often include educational benefits that go beyond what's available to the general public. If you're in Hawaii, there are also interment benefits for veteran dependents that may be relevant to your family's situation.

Quick checklist before you apply

  1. Look up whether your state has a specific veteran-dependent application fee waiver law or policy.
  2. Check each target school's admissions page for their fee waiver process.
  3. Collect the veteran's DD-214, VA rating letter, and proof of your relationship.
  4. Submit fee waiver requests early at least two weeks before the application deadline.
  5. Confirm with each school that the waiver was applied to your application.
  6. Explore broader state education benefits and federal VA benefits while you're at it.
  7. If no formal program exists, email the admissions office and ask directly. Include your parent's service information and your situation.

One last thing: Keep copies of every document you submit and every confirmation you receive. If there's ever a dispute about whether a fee should have been waived, having a paper trail protects you. Start this process as soon as you begin building your college list not after you've already hit "submit."