Washington 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
Waiver for overseas-service veterans exists at most schools but is discretionary and often partial; strong mandatory dependent waiver.
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
Washington Tuition Waiver for veterans (RCW 28B.15.621)
- What it covers
- All or part of tuition and fees, at each public college's discretion (e.g., some community colleges waive 50% of certain fees)
- Who qualifies and limits
- Discretionary; each school sets its own program and amount. Veteran or Guard member who served in active federal service on foreign soil or international waters (or supporting it). WA domicile; qualifying discharge.
For spouses and children
Dependents tuition waiver (RCW 28B.15.621)
- What it covers
- Mandatory waiver of all undergraduate tuition and fees up to 200 quarter credits, plus a $500/yr book stipend if funded
- Who qualifies and limits
- Dependents of a veteran or Guard member who is 100% disabled or died as a result of service, or is POW/MIA
If you left the service 15 to 20 years ago
Veteran waiver has no stated discharge time limit, but value varies by school. Ask each college's veterans office.
Who to contact
- State veterans agency
- Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA)
- State Approving Agency (approves schools and programs for the GI Bill)
- Washington Student Achievement Council (SAA for colleges); Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board (SAA for non-college)
Sources we checked
- dva.wa.gov/veterans-their-families/veterans-benefits/education-and-tra
- app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx
- sbctc.edu/colleges-staff/programs-services/tuition-fees/tuition-waive
Federal benefits such as the GI Bill and VR&E are separate. See the FAQ and the GI Bill programs.