RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is undergoing significant changes to ensure its sustainability while continuing to provide tuition-free education to the families of military veterans who are severely disabled or have died due to military service.

The program waives tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia public colleges and universities for eligible family members. Established to honor the sacrifices of military personnel and support their dependents, VMSDEP has become a critical lifeline for many families. However, a surge in enrollment following a 2019 eligibility expansion raised concerns about the long-term financial viability of the program.

Concerns Over Funding and Sustainability

Since the expansion, more families have been enrolling in the program, leading to a sharp increase in costs. In response, the Virginia General Assembly initially made adjustments, including stricter residency requirements and limitations on waivers for advanced degrees. These changes were met with resistance from military families and advocates who feared they would restrict access to education benefits.

The debate over funding and eligibility continued in 2023, with lawmakers and advocacy groups working to find a balanced solution that would ensure the program’s continuation without placing an excessive financial burden on the state. The situation came to a head when political disagreements delayed the state budget, putting the program’s funding at risk.

Legislative Efforts to Protect VMSDEP

Recognizing the importance of the program, Virginia lawmakers took action to secure its future. In July 2024, the General Assembly repealed the earlier changes and allocated $90 million to sustain the program for at least the next two years. This decision provided relief to many families relying on the program.

To ensure proper oversight, a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) study is underway to assess the program’s sustainability. The study aims to provide lawmakers with recommendations on how to manage enrollment growth while maintaining financial stability. Potential future changes include implementing stricter academic requirements, limiting eligibility to direct dependents, and refining residency criteria.

Senator Danica Roem has been a vocal advocate for ensuring that VMSDEP remains transparent and accountable. A key component of the current proposal is an annual report that will collect data on the number of students eligible but not enrolled, as well as the total number of participants. Roem believes that having this data will allow lawmakers to make informed decisions about the program’s future.

Reactions from Military Families and Advocates

The announcement of renewed funding and ongoing studies has received mixed reactions. Kayla Owen, co-founder of the advocacy group Friends of VMSDEP and the wife of a disabled U.S. Coast Guard veteran, supports the effort to collect accurate data but emphasizes that the process must be thorough.

“We know that there are students who receive merit-based scholarships. We don’t know if those funds are properly accounted for when determining the program’s cost to the state,” Owen said. “This is a great first step, and we’re happy that lawmakers see the value of data in making VMSDEP sustainable.”

Future Outlook

With the funding secured for now, discussions will continue on how to improve the program. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the issue in 2025, particularly as Virginia prepares its next biennial budget. The goal is to create a framework that supports military families while ensuring that VMSDEP remains financially viable for years to come.

As the debate continues, one thing remains clear: Virginia commitment to honoring its veterans and their families through education benefits is unwavering. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of VMSDEP and determining the best path forward for all stakeholders involved in Virginia.