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Military Education Benefits For Wartime Veterans

When you apply for veteran benefits, you’ll soon discover a handful of programs that are generally restricted to those who served in times of conflict or who directly participated in armed combat.

Not all veteran benefits are combat-related, but some essential options may be, and your status as a wartime veteran may make the difference between qualifying or not being eligible for certain state or federal programs.

Wartime Veteran Education Benefits

The term “wartime veterans” can be confusing, and for good reason. The definition varies depending on the context. One official use of the term is to determine the eligibility of Gulf War veterans and those from previous conflicts for a specific pension assistance benefit.

However, other uses can impact state and federal benefits.  But how is a “wartime veteran” defined? As we’ll examine below, much depends on when you served, the program you want to apply for, and, in some cases, whether you were awarded an expeditionary medal or other honor for your service in a specific conflict or theatre of operations.

Read next: Post-9/11 GI Bill Guide

The Veteran’s Benefits Administration (VBA) “wartime” designation refers to the Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance program. Determinants including disability, income, and net worth determine eligibility for this needs-based assistance. For this program, “wartime” service includes at least 90 days of active duty or 2 years for Gulf War veterans.

A Congressional Research Service (CRS) report further clarifies that “a former service member does not need to have served in a combat zone during the designated periods for their service to be classified as wartime.”

Modern-day conflicts that qualify for this distinction include World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam Era, and the Persian Gulf War.

VA and State-Level Definitions of Wartime Veterans

That said, other VA and even state-level programs may have more restrictive approval guidelines. Some may require direct combat, disabilities resulting from that combat, or service in a specific region. Not all “wartime” benefits apply across all conflicts. Some may be Post-9/11-specific, for example.

Remember: For all VA veterans benefits, you will need to provide:

• DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty): This is necessary to demonstrate your service dates and discharge status
• Service Transcripts: You may need to verify specific training or experiences relevant to your educational goals.
• Social Security Number
• Bank Account Information: For direct deposit of benefits
• High School Diploma or Equivalent: If applicable
• College Transcripts: If you have prior college credit.

State Education Programs for Wartime Veterans

Your state of residence may provide additional options. Many states offer programs that can help you obtain the degree or credentials you desire at little to no cost. Sometimes, they may also include benefits for your spouse or dependents. Some of those programs require the servicemember to serve in a time of war or direct combat.

Free tuition for Purple Heart Recipients

If you are a Purple Heart recipient, several states offer free public colleges and universities tuition. Here are a few select programs that were verified:

• Alabama Department of Military Affairs: If you reside in Alabama, you may qualify for free tuition if you are enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a public 2-year technical or community college or a 4-year college or university. For more info, please visit Alabama’s veteran and military benefits page.
• Florida Department of Veterans Affairs: Florida residents may qualify for free tuition and fees at any state’s 28 public colleges and universities, including 2-year, 4-year, and career and technical certificate programs. The state also extends this benefit to recipients of the Bronze Star (with Valor), Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit (with Valor), Silver Star, Air Force Cross, Navy Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, and Medal of Honor.  For more info, please visit Florida veterans’ and military benefits page.

If you have a disability rating, some states provide free tuition benefits for state colleges and universities. Here are a few:

• Maryland Department of Veterans & Military Families: Maryland’s’ Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program may be available to veterans with a disability rating of 25% or more and to POW/MIA veterans from the Vietnam era. The award amount can cover the maximum cost of a 4-year undergraduate public college or university, excluding the University of Maryland College and the University of Maryland Baltimore. The scholarship is also available to some qualified dependents.  For more info, please visit Maryland veterans’ and military benefits page.
• Arizona Department of Veterans Services: Veteran residents who received a Purple Heart and have a disability rating of 50% may also qualify for free tuition at state public colleges and universities. The benefit may also be available to Post-9/11 Guardsmen who received a Purple Heart or were medically discharged.  For more info, please visit Arizona veterans’ and military benefits page.
• Florida Department of Veteran Affairs: Florida veterans who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and are 100% service-connected and permanently disabled may be eligible for free college tuition. This benefit applies to both public and private schools; however, the tuition amounts for private schools will be based on the average tuition and fees of a comparable public school. Veterans can use this benefit for either part-time or full-time enrollment.  For more info, please visit Florida veterans’ benefits page.

Read next: States Offering Free or Reduced College Tuition to Veterans

States with Free Tuition for Spouses or Dependents

Some states also offer programs that may assist your spouse or dependents. Note: survivor benefit programs are not listed but may be available in the sample of the programs below. These are samples and are not intended to be all-encompassing. Let’s look at a few:

• California Department of Veterans Affairs (CALVET): Spouses and dependents of veterans have several options for free tuition. These may include being the child or spouse of a disabled veteran or the recipient of the Medal of Honor. For more info, please visit California veterans’ benefits page.

• Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs: Children of veterans who are disabled, received the Purple Heart, or were POW/MIA may be eligible for up to 124 credits and $5,000 in grants toward applicable fees at state universities. More information on this can be viewed here. For more info, please visit Indiana veterans’ benefits page.

• Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs: Resident Kentuckians who are spouses, children, or stepchildren of disabled veterans may be eligible for free tuition to a state-funded and operated two—or four-year college, university, or vocational school.  For more info, please visit Kentucky veterans’ benefits page.

Although every effort has been made to verify state-specific programming, these programs can change anytime. Please follow up directly with your state to confirm eligibility through the Department of Veterans Affairs. We have provided links to the relevant information for each state above.

Read next: States Offering Free or Reduced College Tuition to Dependents

Other Options 

If you don’t qualify for state or federal benefits, other possibilities may exist to support your education or gain new skills. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

• AARP Skills Builder for Work: If you’re looking to upskill or reskill in a particular field, AARP can be cost-effective. To begin, you can try out a course for free and then have access to discounted skills training if you choose to continue. 
• Online Learning Options: If you are interested in an online platform, there are an increasing number of opportunities, including Coursera, edX, Udemy, and many colleges and universities. Check with the provider for specifics.
• Institute for Learning, Education, and Development (LEAD): If you want to explore some of the more prevalent areas of health care related to veterans, this VA partnership with VTRAIN is worth looking into. The courses are free to audit.

Quite a few state colleges and universities have established programs to reduce or even eliminate tuition for seniors. Only those that have been verified are included. Here are a few examples.

• Austin Community College: Those over 65 can take up to 6 credits for free on a space-available basis. Fees for books and materials are not included.
• California State University: State residents over the age of 60 who attend California State’s Long Beach campus may be eligible for free tuition. Prospective students must be admitted for degree-seeking programs and first-time learners on the campus.

As discussed above, the term “wartime veteran” is not a one-size-fits-all designation, as its meaning can vary depending on the context. While the Veterans Benefits Administration uses “wartime service” for the “Aid and Attendance program,” the term does not always affect eligibility for education benefits.

For federal education benefits, the VA has specific programs for veterans of past conflicts, and various states offer additional benefits, including free or discounted tuition, particularly for disabled veterans or those who have received the Purple Heart.

If you think you are eligible for any of these, you should carefully review the eligibility criteria and ensure you have the necessary documentation and meet the service requirements. Since programs can change over time, be sure to continue to check with your local VA offices to confirm availability and eligibility requirements.

There are various opportunities to access educational programs that support your career advancement and personal growth, often at little to no cost, through federal assistance or state-specific initiatives.

Read next: Post-9/11 GI Bill Guide