Dependent spouses or children of service members who are discharged, retired, disabled, deceased, or POW/MIA may be eligible for these education benefits and tuition rates.
South Dakota Tuition Rates
The South Dakota Board of Regents establishes tuition rates for all South Dakota public universities. The 2022-2023 tuition rate for active-duty service members attending Northern State University courses are:
On-Campus Resident
Undergraduate $253.85 plus fees
Graduate $333.25 plus fees
On-Campus Non-Resident
Undergraduate $357.25 plus fees
Graduate $622.15 plus fees
Off-Campus/Online
(no additional fees or out-of-state differential)
Undergraduate $354.75
Graduate $470.45
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Education Benefits
Free Tuition for Children of Veterans who Die During Service
SDCL 13-55-6 to 13-55-9 Provides for children who are under the age of 25, are residents of South Dakota, and whose mother or father was killed in action or died of other causes while on active duty, are eligible for free tuition at a state supported school, if the deceased parent was a bona-fide resident of this state for at least six months immediately preceding entry into active service.
Application for Veteran Children Free Tuition
Free Tuition for Dependents of POWs and MIAs
SDCL 13-55-9.2 to 13-55-9.6 - Children and spouses of prisoners of war, or of persons listed as missing in action, are entitled to attend a state supported school without the payment of tuition or mandatory fees provided they are not eligible for equal or greater federal benefits.
Application for POW/MIA Dependent Free Tuition
Free Tuition to Child or Spouse of South Dakota National Guardmember Disabled or Deceased in the Line of Duty
SDCL provides for free tuition to the child or spouse of a National Guard member disabled or deceased in line of duty. Any resident of this state who is less than 25 years of age and whose parent has died or has sustained a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from duty as a member of the South Dakota National Guard, while on state or federal active duty or any authorized training duty, is entitled to free tuition at any state university or technical college. Any person who is a resident of this state whose spouse has died or has sustained a total disability, permanent in nature, resulting from duty as a member of the South Dakota National Guard, while on state or federal active duty or any authorized training duty, is entitled to free tuition and is entitled to attend any course or courses of study in any state university. The application and receipt of the benefits of this section are governed by the provisions of §§ 13-55-6 to 13-55-9, inclusive.
Application for Child/Spouse SDNG Disabled/Deceased Free Tuition
US DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS EDUCATION BENEFITS
Transfer Post-911 GI Bill benefits - Service members with unused Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits may transfer education benefits to a dependent spouse or dependent children.
Application for Education Benefit Transfer - Dependent spouses/children must complete and submit this U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs application to received transferred education benefits.
Educational and Career Counseling – Chapter 36 – Personalized Career Planning and Guidance (PCPG), or VA Chapter 36, offers free educational and career guidance, planning, and resources to veterans and their dependents who are eligible for a VA education benefit.
Scholarship Opportunities
40 & 8 POW/MIA Survivors Scholarship Program
Applicants are limited to the spouse, child, grandchild, great-grandchild, widow or widower of known and verified POW or MIAs who served after December 7, 1941.