Governor Kathy Hochul announced in honor of Memorial Day that New York State will broaden eligibility for the Veterans Tuition Award program, opening the door for more veterans to access affordable higher education. The announcement emphasized the state’s ongoing efforts to support military service members and their families through expanded educational benefits.
The updated policy allows veterans who served at least four years on active duty to qualify for full-tuition assistance, regardless of whether they served in combat. The change, which takes effect July 1, 2025, removes a longstanding requirement that limited awards to veterans who served in combat zones such as Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Afghanistan.
The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provides up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition at State University of New York schools, City University of New York institutions, and approved vocational training programs across the state. The enhanced program also offers financial flexibility, now covering both full-time and part-time students.
Veterans can receive state funding even if they are already receiving federal aid. The awards will no longer be reduced by Pell Grants or Montgomery GI Bill benefits, allowing veterans to maximize their educational assistance. Applications will continue to be accepted year-round.
The policy update builds on a range of existing programs that support veterans and their families in New York. These include the MERIT Scholarship, which offers full scholarships to dependents of New York residents who were severely disabled or died during military service, and the Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans. Additionally, the Veterans Education program helps beneficiaries apply GI Bill funding to approved training and education programs.
The expansion reflects a coordinated effort among state leaders and education officials to improve access to higher education for those who served. With these changes, New York aims to make education more accessible for veterans transitioning to civilian life and pursuing new career paths.
