State statutes provide that tuition at Connecticut public colleges and universities may be waived for:

eligible veterans;

active members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard;

any Connecticut resident who is a dependent child or a surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces killed in action on or after September 11, 2001 who was a Connecticut resident; and

state residents who are dependent children of a person whom the Armed Forces has declared to be either missing in action or a prisoner of war while serving in the Armed Forces after January 1, 1960.

The state tuition waiver also covers the amount of tuition which exceeds the tuition benefit received under the federal 2008 Post-9/11 Veteran Educational Assistance Act.

College costs other than tuition - such as for books, student activity and course fees, parking and room and board - are not waived. When applying for admission or registering for courses, bring a copy of your separation paper (Form DD-214). Waivers may be reduced by the amount of education reimbursement you may receive from your employer.

The Office of Higher Education seeks to advance the promise of postsecondary education for all state residents, and to advocate on behalf of students, taxpayers, and the postsecondary schools and colleges which fall under its purview. The Office carries out its mission by assuring that students have access to postsecondary institutions which meet the highest standards of academic quality, by administering the state’s student financial aid programs, and by serving as an information and consumer protection resource.

 The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) is a Department of Defense-wide effort to promote the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members, their families and communities, by connecting them with resources throughout the deployment cycle. Through Yellow Ribbon events, Service members and loved ones connect with local resources before, during, and after deployments. Reintegration during post-deployment is a critical time for members of the National Guard and Reserve, as they often live far from military installations and other members of their units. Commanders and leaders play a critical role in assuring that Reserve Service members and their families attend Yellow Ribbon events where they can access information on health care, education and training opportunities, financial, and legal benefits. We work with government partners, including the Small Business Administration and Departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, to provide up-to-date and relevant information to the members of the All-Volunteer force and their families.

The Student Veterans of America (SVA) is a nonprofit organization that supports and advocates for veterans pursuing higher education. Their mission is to empower student veterans to achieve their educational and career goals and ensure their successful transition from the military to the civilian academic environment.

SVA focuses on several key areas to fulfill its mission. First and foremost, they provide a supportive community for student veterans on college campuses across the United States. SVA chapters offer opportunities for networking, mentorship, and camaraderie, fostering a sense of belonging and support for student veterans.

Veteran friendly colleges for active-duty, veterans, military spouses, and dependents seeking schools with military friendly features and benefits. There are over 11,000 higher education institutions to choose from, and finding one that meets your individual needs while offering veteran friendly support can be difficult.  Our list is comprised of schools that provide education benefits and resources tailored to the military community.

NOTE: We do not endorse or refute the information on this site.  It is provided as an informational  tool for those looking to further their education endeavors.  We encourage you to do your due diligence when making  your choice of institution of higher learning.

Connecticut Troops to Teachers is a program for all service members and veterans to receive counseling, financial and placement assistance in transitioning their leadership, core values and acquired skills to a career in teaching.

Supported by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) Talent Office and the national Troops to Teachers program, facilitated by the U.S. Department of Defense, Troops to Teachers has helped more than 21,000 veterans successfully transition to a career in education.