New Jersey 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
Only small Vietnam-era credits and narrow family aid.
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
Veterans Tuition Credit Program (VTCP)
- What it covers
- Up to $400/yr full-time or $200/yr part-time, paid to the school
- Who qualifies and limits
- Active duty between Dec 31, 1960 and May 7, 1975 (Vietnam era) only. NJ resident at entry, at discharge, or for 2 years before applying.
For spouses and children
POW/MIA Tuition Benefit (N.J.S.A. 38A:3-23)
- What it covers
- Free undergraduate tuition at NJ public or private colleges
- Who qualifies and limits
- Child of a service member declared POW or MIA after Jan 1, 1960 who was a NJ resident at entry
War Orphans Tuition Assistance
- What it covers
- $500/yr for 4 years
- Who qualifies and limits
- Child of a service member who died in service or of a service-connected disability, or is MIA. Child aged 16-21 at application; 1 yr NJ residency; veteran was a NJ resident.
If you left the service 15 to 20 years ago
Nothing for a 2006-era veteran. VTCP covers Vietnam era only. Bill A1772 (2026) would add free tuition for families of KIA, POW/MIA and 100% P&T veterans; it is not law.
Who to contact
- State veterans agency
- NJ Department of Veterans Affairs (split from DMAVA on Jan 9, 2026)
- State Approving Agency (approves schools and programs for the GI Bill)
- NJ State Approving Agency (formerly under DMAVA; now NJ Department of Veterans Affairs)
Sources we checked
- nj.gov/dva/veterans/benefits-resources/
- nj.gov/military/veterans/services/education/
- pub.njleg.state.nj.us/Bills/2026/A2000/1772_I1.HTM
Federal benefits such as the GI Bill and VR&E are separate. See the FAQ and the GI Bill programs.