In order to commemorate Memorial Day, Governor Hochul of New York recently announced the expansion of the “New York State Veterans Tuition Award (VTA) program” to further relax eligibility restrictions, allowing more veterans to receive full scholarships and pursue a brighter future.
This reform will officially take effect on July 1, 2025. According to the new regulations, veterans who have served in the military for four years, even if they have not participated in any combat or been deployed to war zones, will be eligible to apply for full scholarships. This breaks the previous restriction that only veterans who have participated in combat or been deployed to specific war zones (such as the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and the Afghanistan War) could apply.
Governor Hochul said, “Memorial Day is a sacred day for us to mourn brave soldiers and appreciate their sacrifice. New York State is determined to take concrete actions to give back to all veterans who have served, ensuring that they have the opportunity and tools to fulfill their dreams.”
The highlights of the program are as follows:
– Expanded eligibility criteria: All active-duty military personnel who have served four years in the U.S. military or have served in the Vietnam, Gulf, or Afghanistan war zones can apply.
– Not limited to full-time study: Support for both full-time and part-time studies, providing flexible arrangements.
– Does not affect federal aid: The VTA can be received concurrently with federal Montgomery GI Bill benefits or Pell Grants, without offsetting each other.
– Open for applications year-round: Applications can be submitted at any time throughout the year, making it convenient for veterans to plan their life goals.
The program is administered by the Higher Education Services Corporation of New York State (HESC) and is applicable to approved state universities, community colleges, and vocational training programs statewide.
For more information or to apply for the Veterans Tuition Award, please visit the HESC website at: https://www.hesc.ny.gov.