State Reminds Veterans, Public Safety Officers of Student Financial Aid Options Ahead of Veteran’s Day 2019

(UNDATED) – Hoosier veterans and their families may be eligible for a variety of financial aid options, says the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The Commission administers seven financial aid programs specifically for veterans, public safety officers, and families, including children and spouses.

Ahead of Veteran’s Day 2019, the Commission and state of Indiana are reminding Hoosiers of the student financial aid options available, including up to 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public colleges and universities for Purple Heart recipients, members of the National Guard, undergraduate children of deceased or disabled veterans, among others.

“Indiana’s veterans and public safety officers have made great sacrifices, including the utmost sacrifice of giving their lives to protect our country and local communities. Removing the financial burden for these brave men and women and their children and spouses to pursue higher education is a small token of Indiana’s appreciation for their valor,” said Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Teresa Lubbers.

Available student aid programs include:

  • Child of Deceased of Disabled Veteran: Provides up to 100 percent tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public college and universities for children of veterans who served in the armed forces during a time or war, was recognized by the award of a service or campaign medal, or who suffered a service-connected death or disability.
  • Children of Purple Heart Recipients or Wounded Veteran: Provides up to 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public college and universities for students who are children of a person who served in the armed forces of the United States and received the Purple Heart decoration or was wounded as a result of enemy action, among other requirements.
  • Children and Spouse of Indiana National Guard: The Commission offers a supplement to other state grants by guaranteeing 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public college and universities for students who are the child or spouse of a member of the Indiana National Guard who suffered a service connected death while serving on state active duty.
  • Children and Spouse of Public Safety Officers: The Commission offers a supplement to other state grants by guaranteeing 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public college and universities for students who are children and spouses of certain Indiana public safety officers (PSO) killed in the line of duty or permanently disabled state troopers.
  • Indiana Purple Heart Recipient: Provides up to 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees for students at Indiana public college and universities who received the Purple Heart decoration or was wounded as a result of enemy action.
  • National Guard Tuition Supplement Grant: Through a partnership with the Indiana National Guard, the Commission guarantees 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public college and universities for eligible members of the Indiana Air and Army National Guard. Students can attend either full-time or part-time and receive the National Guard Tuition Supplement Grant (NGSG) but can only be used in the fall and spring semesters.
  • Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home: The Commission offers a supplement to other state grants by guaranteeing 100 percent of tuition and regularly assessed fees at Indiana public college and universities for students who are former students and/or graduates of Morton Memorial High School and former residents of the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home (ISSCH).

All students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to use the tuition and fee exemption programs. Applications must be submitted online through the Student ScholarTrack account, available at ScholarTrack.IN.gov.

Questions may be submitted to the Commission for Higher Education by calling 1-888-528-4719 or emailing awards@che.in.gov

About the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is a 14-member public body created in 1971 to define the missions of Indiana’s colleges and universities, plan and coordinate the state’s postsecondary education system, and ensure that Indiana’s higher education system is aligned to meet the needs of students and the state. The Commission includes representatives from each Congressional district, three at-large members, a college faculty representative and a college student representative. Learn more about the Commission’s Reaching Higher, Delivering Value strategic plan at www.in.gov/che/.