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.
About 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. 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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program