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State University Free Seat Program for Veterans

One free online course, then a 25% discount on the rest, for veterans working toward a first bachelor's degree.

Verified August 15, 2026

What this benefit is

One free online course at a Florida state university, then 25% off tuition for the rest of an online bachelor's degree.

It is capped at 1,000 students systemwide each academic year, which makes timing matter more than for anything else in this corpus.

What it's worth: One free online course, then 25% off tuition for the rest

  • Free-seat waivers are capped at 1,000 students systemwide each academic year, so this is not an entitlement — apply early.
  • After the free course you pay no more than 75% of the tuition rate and 75% of the tuition differential.
  • The discount runs to 110% of the required credit hours, and you must stay at least part-time each year to keep it.

Who is entitled to it

  • A veteran, active duty member, or active drilling Florida National Guard member.
  • Who is a resident for tuition purposes and does not already hold a bachelor's degree.
  • Enrolled in an online bachelor's degree programme.

Not sure whether that describes you?

Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.

The thing most people get wrong

First-come, not an entitlement

Fee waivers under this subsection may not exceed 1,000 students systemwide each academic year. Every other record in our corpus is an entitlement you either meet or do not. This one you can meet in full and still miss by applying late.

How to claim it

Deadline: Apply early — the systemwide cap is 1,000 students a year
  1. 1Ask your university about the §1009.26(19) State University Free Seat Program.
  2. 2Apply as early in the academic year as you can — the systemwide cap is 1,000 students.
File with
Your state university's admissions or veteran services office
Documents you will need
dd214 · proof of fl residency
Apply each term
Your institution re-checks this every term.

Common mistakes that cost people this benefit

  • Applying at registration rather than early in the academic year.
  • Dropping below part-time — you must maintain at least part-time enrolment annually to keep the reduced rate.
Worth knowingThe 1,000-student systemwide cap makes this first-come rather than an entitlement. It is the only record in our corpus with a hard headcount limit, and it is the reason to apply early rather than at registration.

Questions people ask

What happens after the free course?
You pay no more than 75% of the tuition rate and 75% of the tuition differential, for up to 110% of the required credit hours.

Sources

Why only one source type: Operating terms are set per institution.

This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.