New York State Honors Veterans by Highlighting Programs Supporting College, Career Training and Workforce Opportunities

In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Kathy Hochul today reaffirmed New York State's commitment to supporting veterans and military families pursuing higher education and career training after military service by highlighting financial aid programs for veterans, service members and their families including the Veterans Tuition Award.

The Veterans Tuition Award (VTA) provides college tuition for veterans with at least four years of active-duty service and combat veterans pursuing an undergraduate, graduate degree or vocational training program. Beginning in the 2027-28 academic year, eligible veterans can transfer their unused Veterans Tuition Award to a child under age 26, a spouse, or a financial dependent. This change helps extend the value of their service to the next generation.

"New York's veterans answered the call to serve our country, and we have a responsibility to make sure they have the support and opportunities they need when they return home," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "Whether they are pursuing a college degree, learning a new skill, or preparing for a new career, New York is committed to helping veterans and their families access an affordable education and build their futures right here in New York."

The Veterans Tuition Award provides eligible veterans with tuition assistance for undergraduate and graduate degree programs and approved vocational training programs in New York State. In 2024-25, more than $1.5 million was awarded to 375 veterans. Applications are accepted year-round.

In addition to the VTA, New York State offers several financial aid opportunities for veterans and military families, including:

• Military Enhanced Recognition Incentive and Tribute (MERIT) Scholarship : Helps cover the cost of attendance for eligible members of the U.S. Armed Forces and the children, spouses and financial dependents of service members who died or became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness suffered while performing their military duties. In 2024-25, nearly $6.5 million was awarded to 341 students.
• Regents Awards for Children of Deceased and Disabled Veterans: Provides annual awards to eligible undergraduate students whose parent served during designated periods of war or national emergency and, as a result of their service, died, became disabled, was declared missing in action, or was taken prisoner of war. In 2024-25, $80,000 was awarded to 189 students.
• Veterans Education (Vet Ed): Supports veterans and other eligible individuals in using federal GI Bill® benefits at approved colleges, universities, vocational schools, apprenticeship programs and other education and training programs.

Recipients must complete the FAFSA and Tuition Assistance Program application each year they are applying for aid. The application deadline for FAFSA and TAP for the 2027-28 academic year is June 30, 2028. Those seeking FAFSA and TAP assistance for the 2026-27 academic year must submit their applications by June 30, 2027.

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation Acting President Doris B. González said, "New Yorkers are grateful to the men and women who have served our country and to the families who have supported them along the way. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, HESC is proud to honor that service by administering programs that help veterans, service members and their families afford higher education. These benefits are one way we can thank them for their service while helping create greater opportunities for generations to come."

New York State Department of Veterans' Services Commissioner Dr. Viviana M. DeCohen said, "Our veterans have already demonstrated extraordinary dedication, leadership, valor, and commitment through their service to our Nation, and they deserve every opportunity to carry those strengths into the next chapter of their lives. I applaud Governor Hochul for her continued leadership in expanding educational and career opportunities for all who served and thank our partners at the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, SUNY, and CUNY for helping turn these opportunities into reality. The expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award, particularly the ability for eligible Veterans to transfer unused benefits to their loved ones, recognizes that military service is a shared family sacrifice and that opportunity should extend to those who stood beside them. This Veterans Day and across Veterans Month, we remain committed to ensuring that our Veterans and military families have the resources, support, and pathways to build brighter, more secure futures right here in New York State."

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, "SUNY is proud to join Governor Hochul in honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans and their families across New York State. With financial aid programs and other initiatives, we are continuing to remove barriers to an excellent higher education and ensure veterans, military-connected students, and their families receive the support they need to thrive."

City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "CUNY is proud to serve our nation's service members, veterans, and their families by expanding access to high-quality educational opportunities. Combined with New York's robust military tuition support programs, our efforts help veterans earn industry-aligned credentials and pursue their goals without the burden of student debt. We thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast support of veterans and military families across New York."

State Education Commissioner Dr. Betty A. Rosa said, "Expanding access to higher education, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities for veterans, service members and their families is an investment in their futures. By creating meaningful pathways for them to translate their military experience, skills, and leadership into post-service opportunities, we empower them to continue making a difference as leaders in their communities."

State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, "As our veterans and servicemembers return to civilian life, it is imperative that our state provides them with every opportunity to succeed in their future educational, professional, and personal journeys. I am glad that eligible veterans can now share this opportunity with children and spouses, ensuring access to an affordable education is extended to the entire family. I look forward to continuing to work on ways to expand educational and professional benefits for veterans, in order to ensure that New York State is the best place for them and their families to call home."

Assemblymember Alicia L. Hyndman said, "The freedoms we have today are due to our brave service members, who have fought to protect us both domestically and abroad. That is why I am proud to support the Veterans Tuition Award and its expansion to allow unused funds to be passed on to loved ones, such as a child under 26, financial dependent, or spouse. Eligible veterans can use the funds for undergraduate, graduate, and vocational programs."

Assemblymember Steve Stern said, "As Chairman of the Assembly Veterans' Affairs Committee, I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul's initiatives to expand access to the Veterans Tuition Award (VTA) in the coming academic year. VTA provides eligible Veterans with tuition assistance for undergraduate and degree programs, as well as vocational training. In 2027, veterans will be able to transfer unused VTA benefits to a child under 26, a spouse or a dependent. Our military families sacrifice so much when their loved ones serve. This program recognizes their service and is a meaningful way to say thank you."

Veterans, active-duty service members and their families can learn more about these programs, review eligibility requirements and explore additional state financial aid opportunities by visiting the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation website.