Governor Hochul Announces Expanded Access to Affordable Education for Veterans

New Enhancements to New York State Veterans Tuition Awards Program Broaden Eligibility and Flexibility, Empowering Veterans To Pursue Brighter Futures

In honor of Memorial Day, Governor Kathy Hochul announced key enhancements to the New York State Veterans Tuition Award that expand access to college financial aid for more veterans. This expansion now allows veterans who served at least four years on active-duty to qualify for full-tuition awards, even if they did not serve in combat or a specific combat theater. Prior to this historic expansion, only veterans who served in combat or a specific combat theater were eligible to receive the Veterans Tuition Award. These changes take effect on July 1, 2025. The changes underscore Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to support veterans, active-duty service members, and their families by ensuring access to the tools they need to achieve a brighter future.

“Memorial Day is a sacred day to honor America’s courageous heroes who gave everything in defense of our freedoms. When we reflect on the magnitude of their sacrifices, we are also reminded of the need to take meaningful action to honor all who served,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is proud to expand access to the Veterans Tuition Award program, ensuring that those who served our country have the tools they need to succeed in building a brighter future for themselves and their families. This initiative reflects our steadfast commitment to supporting veterans with opportunities for higher education and career success.”

Expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award

The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provides eligible veterans with up to the full cost of SUNY undergraduate tuition at approved colleges and vocational training programs across New York State. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the program will now serve even more veterans by broadening eligibility and increasing flexibility.

Program Highlights Include:

• Broadened Eligibility: Veterans with a minimum of four years of active-duty service or those who served in combat or the combat theaters of Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Afghanistan, and were honorably discharged can now qualify.
• Flexibility for Full-and Part-Time Studies: Veterans pursuing either full- or part-time education can now benefit, providing greater flexibility.
• Coordinated Benefits: Veterans can maximize federal financial aid and GI Bill benefits and state support, as awards are not reduced by Montgomery GI Bill benefits or Pell Grants.
• Year-Round Applications: Applications accepted year-round, offering greater flexibility for veterans planning their education.

For more information or to apply, visit the VTA website.

Additional Opportunities for Veterans and Their Families

New York’s commitment to veterans and military families extends further with robust educational and financial support programs, including:

• Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship – Provides scholarships for tuition, fees, and room and board for dependents of New York State residents who were severely disabled or lost their lives during military service.
• Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans – Provides annual awards to eligible undergraduate students whose parents served during wartime and suffered severe disabilities or death.
• Veterans Education (Vet Ed) – Supports approved education and training programs for GI Bill® use, ensuring eligible beneficiaries can maximize their federal education benefits.

For more information about the Veteran’s Tuition Award and other New York State financial aid programs, visit hesc.ny.gov.