VMSDEP is a state benefit for spouses and children of certain U.S. service members, reserves, or Virginia National Guard members whose death, disappearance, captivity, or disability is connected to service under state law. It is not a general military-family scholarship; Virginia’s Department of Veterans Services verifies each case and benefit tier.
Approved students may receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters at a Virginia public institution. Only Tier 2 beneficiaries may receive an additional stipend for educational costs such as room, board, books, and supplies; its amount changes and depends on funds. Do not count it until SCHEV confirms an allocation.
Tier 2 can include covered combat circumstances and a VA total-permanent or at least 90% disability rating, along with military domicile rules. Children generally must be ages 16 to 29, while spouses do not have the same age limit. Check the exact definitions for adopted children or stepchildren and gather service records before applying.
The published process has three steps: create a VMSDEP account, request veteran verification, and submit an application for benefits. DVS gives target dates of July 1 for fall, November 1 for spring, and April 1 for summer; late applicants may need another funding source while eligibility is decided. Update enrollment each term and coordinate with the school, which applies the waiver.
Before accepting, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, residual tuition, mandatory fees, and indirect costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents with the official program office; keep a copy and submission confirmation. If your situation is unclear, get a written answer from the campus before committing to tuition or housing.
Read the program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.
Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program — Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
VMSDEP FAQs — Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and dates can change by year and budget. A scholarship may cover only tuition or specified fees, not housing, meals, books, or transportation. File the FAFSA when applicable, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.
Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.
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Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)
VMSDEP is a state benefit for spouses and children of certain U.S. service members, reserves, or Virginia National Guard members whose death, disappearance, captivity, or disability is connected to service under state law. It is not a general military-family scholarship; Virginia’s Department of Veterans Services verifies each case and benefit tier. Approved students may receive a waiver of tuition and mandatory fees for up to eight semesters at a Virginia public institution.
College financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Virginia Department of Veterans Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Virginia Department of Veterans Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Virginia Department of Veterans Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) ↗
Primary source
Virginia Department of Veterans Services · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.