Arkansas veteran education benefits
Stars rate how much each state offers veterans themselves for college, training and exam fees (family-only programs don't count): 5 = free public-college tuition for most resident veterans, no disability rating needed; 3 = partial grants or narrower eligibility; 1 = little or nothing beyond federal benefits. How we rate
Nothing for veterans themselves beyond in-state rates; family scholarship limited to KIA/POW/MIA/100% P&T/Purple Heart/MOH families.
Checked Oct 7, 2026. State benefits change often. Confirm the details with the state agency before you apply.
Verify on the official page means we could not fully confirm that detail on the agency's own page.
For veterans
Arkansas Resident Tuition for Nonresident Veterans (Ark. Code 6-60-205)
Verify on the official page
- What it covers
- In-state tuition rate at Arkansas public institutions for eligible nonresident veterans, service members and dependents. Rate only, not a waiver.
- Who qualifies and limits
- See statute for eligibility.
Arkansas National Guard Tuition Waiver (NGTW)
Verify on the official page
- What it covers
- Up to 120 credit hours or a bachelor's degree at state-supported public institutions; tuition and mandatory fees, not books.
- Who qualifies and limits
- Current Arkansas National Guard members only.
For spouses and children
Arkansas Heroes Scholarship (replaced the Military Dependents' Scholarship starting with the 2025 application cycle)
Verify on the official page
- What it covers
- Eight semesters toward a bachelor's degree or certificate at approved public or private Arkansas institutions: in-state tuition, on-campus housing and mandatory fees. For military families it covers the unpaid balance after three months of VA Chapter 35 (DEA) benefits are deducted.
- Who qualifies and limits
- Spouse or dependent child of an Arkansas resident service member/veteran who was KIA, MIA, POW, a Medal of Honor or Purple Heart recipient, or 100% permanently and totally disabled through military service. Must apply for Chapter 35. Annual deadline July 1 (per ADHE).
If you left the service 15 to 20 years ago
No state tuition waiver or grant for veterans themselves (outside the Guard). Family scholarship has no time-since-discharge limit but requires KIA/MIA/POW/MOH/Purple Heart/100% P&T.
Who to contact
- State veterans agency
- Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
- State Approving Agency (approves schools and programs for the GI Bill)
- Arkansas State Approving Agency for Veterans Training (designated: Arkansas Department of Workforce Education; staff listed under Arkansas Division of Higher Education)
Sources we checked
- sams.adhe.edu/scholarship/details/HEROES
- adhe.edu/about/scholarships
- adhe.edu/resources/veterans-training--education
- myarmybenefits.us.army.mil/Benefit-Library/State/Territory-Benefits/Arkansas
Federal benefits such as the GI Bill and VR&E are separate. See the FAQ and the GI Bill programs.