Cal Vet College Tuition Fee Waiver

The College Tuition Fee Waiver is a California Department of Veterans Affairs benefit for Veterans' Dependents. It is a State Benefit, not a VA benefit. It waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California community college, campus of the University of California, or campus of the California State University system. This program does not cover campus based fees like books, housing and parking. The student must meet the in-state residency requirements as determined by the school.

 


What is the process?

Gather Documentation

  1. Veteran's DD214 (Discharge document)
  2. Veterans award letter/rating letter issued by Department of Veterans Affairs within the last 12 months.  If you do not have a current document, one can also be obtained from eBenefits.
  3. The College Fee Waiver Application form must be fully completed and signed by the student and the veteran (or parent, but you must explain why the veteran is not available).  Form must be completely filled out. If a question does not apply, write "N/A”. If neither parent is available to sign, please attach an explanation.
  4. A child, under PLAN B, must submit either a copy of their federal income tax form 1040 or state income tax form 540, from "Last Year" or, if a child does not have a copy of their income tax, or if a child did not file a return, they must submit a statement from the Internal Revenue Service (800-908-9946) or the FranchiseTax Board (800-852-5711) which must verify the amount of adjusted gross income or the fact that a return was not filed. **NOTE**: Current academic year entitlement is based upon last year’s adjusted gross income and value of support. For Example: If applying for benefits for academic year 2017-2018, the total amount of your reported adjusted gross income and value of support from calendar year 2016 will be used to determine eligibility.
  5. If you are a child of a veteran, you must attach a Verification of Dependency. Acceptable verifications include, but are not limited to, a Birth Certificate, Adoption Records, and Marriage Certificate. Those seeking status as an Adopted Child or as a Stepchild must have entered into such status prior to the child’s 23rd birthday.
     

 

 

Apply

All College Fee Waiver Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to the Veterans Services Office, located in San Luis Obispo at 801 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, California 93401.  In this instance, you do not need an appointment.  Once eligibility is determined, a formal letter will be mailed to the student and the college, stating eligibility status. 
 

What To Do If You Receive a Denial Letter

If you receive a denial letter and you disagree with the Veterans Services Officer's decision, you may appeal to: The Office of the Deputy Secretary, Veterans Services Division, 1227 ‘O’ Street, Suite 105, Sacramento, California 95814. Please note that your appeal must be in writing, stating the reasons you feel benefits should be granted, and filed within 90 days of the date of the denial letter.  Your appeal should include evidence, and/or statements that support your belief that the VSO's denial of benefits is in error.  Be sure to include a copy of your denial letter and a telephone number where you can be reached during normal working hours.
 

Who can use this service?

Eligible veterans' dependents may apply for this benefit.

  1. Students must meet the California residency requirements as determined by the school they will attend AND
  2. Students who meet the requirements of one of the four plans options (listed in FAQS below).

Is there a charge for this service?

This service is provided free of charge.

When and where is this service offered?

This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.

Location, directions and hours of operation

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Frequently Asked Questions