Veterans Tuition Awards

Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA) is an award for full-time study and part-time study for eligible veterans matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution or in an approved vocational training program in New York State. Students must be taking classes required for their degree/program of study.

Note: Students previously approved for this award must apply for payment each year

How to Establish Eligibility

Those students who are attending an approved undergraduate or graduate program may apply for payment for the current academic year by completing:

  1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa 
  2. Then linking to the TAP application from FAFSA confirmation page by clicking on NY State residents' link.
  3. Once you have filed for FAFSA and TAP, you must complete the Veterans Tuition Award Application

Be sure to print, sign and uploaded the Web Supplement Confirmation with the required documentation according to the instructions at www.hesc.ny.gov/vta  

The school code for John Jay College is: 1414 for undergraduate students, 5216 for graduate level students (Veterans Students only).

Non-New York State residents (including undocumented students): before submitting your VTA application, apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act.

For more information on eligibility, duration and award amounts visit, www.hesc.ny.gov/vta

Questions regarding eligible service or how to document service should be directed to the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372.

To learn more about programs and benefits for veterans visit the NYS Division of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

New Program Requirements

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility criteria for students applying prior to July 1, 2025

To be eligible recipients cannot be discharged under dishonorable conditions from the U.S. Armed Forces and a/an:

  • Vietnam Veteran who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975; or
  • Persian Gulf Veteran who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990; or
  • Afghanistan Veteran who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001, or
  • Veteran of the United States Armed Forces who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961, as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

Eligibility criteria for students applying effective July 1, 2025 

  • Veterans with a minimum of four years of active-duty service or those who served in combat or the combat theaters of Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, or Afghanistan, and were honorably discharged.

These students must also:

  • Establish eligibility by applying to HESC.
  • Be New York State residents.
  • Non-New York State residents (including undocumented students): before submitting your Scholarship application, apply for eligibility under the NYS DREAM Act.
  • Be US Citizens or eligible noncitizens.
  • Be matriculated full or part-time at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in New York State or in an approved vocational training program in New York State.
  • Must take classes required for the degree/program of study you are enrolled in. Use DegreeWorks to find the required classes needed for your degree/program of study by logging into your CUNYFirst, click on the Degree Works / FACTS tile, then select DegreeWorks, for Student ID: put in your CUNYFirst EMPLID and press enter. You will see the still needed classes.  
  • Have applied for FAFSA and the Tuition Assistance Program for undergraduate or graduate study.
  • Have graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma by passing a Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) formally known as a GED, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
  • Meet good academic standing requirements
  • Be charged at least $200 tuition per year
  • Not be in default on a federal or State made student loan or on any repayment of state awards

Academic Requirements

High School, GED, or Ability to Benefit

  • Graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED), or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test. 

    College & Program 
    Once in college, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Matriculated at an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting institution in NYS or in an approved vocational training program full- or part-time.
    • Full-time study: 12 or more credits per semester (or the equivalent) in an approved program at a degree-granting institution, or 24 or more hours per week in a vocational training program.
    • Part-time study: At least three but fewer than 12 credits per semester (or the equivalent) in an approved program at a degree-granting institution, or six to 23 hours per week in a vocational training program.
  • Be in good academic standing.
  • Charged at least $200 tuition per year.