New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced enhancements to the New York State Veterans Tuition Award to expand access to college financial aid for more veterans to transition into civilian careers.
The Veterans Tuition Award, administered by the New York State Higher Education Services Corp., provides eligible veterans with up to the full cost of undergraduate tuition at approved colleges and vocational training programs across the State University of New York System. Under Hochul’s leadership, the program will now serve even more veterans by broadening eligibility and increasing flexibility.
Prior to this expansion, only veterans who served in combat or a specific combat theater were eligible to receive the Veterans Tuition Award.
With the new expansion, veterans who served at least four years on active duty will qualify for full-tuition awards, even if they did not serve in combat or a specific combat theater. More specifically, 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 for the award.
These changes will take effect July 1.
“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,” Hochul said. “This initiative reflects our steadfast commitment to supporting veterans with opportunities for higher education and career success.”
Applications will also be accepted year-round, offering greater flexibility for veterans planning their education.
The award will be available to students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree or in an approved vocational training program in New York and is available for full-time and part-time study. To receive the award, one must be a legal resident of New York and have resided in the state for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term.
“SUNY is proud to provide an excellent higher education to service members and veterans, and the expanded Veteran Tuition Awards Program will help more veterans find their perfect SUNY campus and complete a college degree,” said State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. “We have been a vocal advocate for these changes and are grateful to Governor Hochul for making this important legislation a reality."
Veterans will also be able to maximize federal financial aid, GI Bill benefits and state support since the award is not reduced by Montgomery GI Bill benefits or Pell Grants.
“With Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State reaffirms its commitment to the brave individuals who have served in our military,” New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Guillermo Linares said. “Education is a powerful step forward for veterans transitioning to civilian life, and the enhancements to the Veterans Tuition Award strengthen their ability to pursue brighter futures with confidence and purpose.”
For more information or to apply, visit the VTA website.