Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program

The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) offers valuable education benefits to the spouses and children of qualifying veterans and service members. These benefits support survivors and dependents whose loved ones have been severely disabled or lost due to military service. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services in partnership with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and public colleges and universities across the state. Eligible students can receive tuition waivers and stipends for up to four academic years.Scholarship Details• Provides tuition and mandatory fee waivers at Virginia public colleges and universities• Includes a stipend to offset other educational costs• Available for up to eight semesters (four academic years)• Administered by the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS)• Benefits applied by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and participating institutionsEligibility Criteria• Spouses and children of qualifying veterans or service members• Veterans must be rated by the USDVA as totally and permanently disabled or at least 90 percent permanently disabled due to military service• Eligibility also extends to dependents of service members killed in action, missing in action, taken prisoner, or disabled as a result of covered military combat• Service must include duty in the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserves, or Virginia National Guard• Applicants must meet Virginia residency requirementsApplication Process1. Visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services website to access the VMSDEP application2. Submit documentation proving eligibility, such as military service records and VA disability ratings3. Complete residency verification and enrollment with a Virginia public college or university4. Await certification of eligibility from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services5. Once certified, coordinate with your school to apply the tuition waiver and receive the stipendIf you are the spouse or child of a veteran who has been significantly impacted by military service, VMSDEP can help you pursue your college education in Virginia. This program honors your family's sacrifice by easing the financial burden of higher education. Don't miss the chance to take advantage of these important benefits. Begin your application today to start building your future.