California offers generous education benefits for veterans through the College Fee Waiver program, administered by CalVet. This benefit waives enrollment fees at California’s public colleges and universities for eligible veterans and their dependents.
What the California Fee Waiver Covers
- California Community Colleges: Waiver of enrollment fees
- California State University (CSU): Waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition
- University of California (UC): Waiver of tuition and fees
Eligibility Requirements
There are multiple pathways to qualify. You must meet ONE of the following:
Pathway A: Service-Connected Disability
- Veteran with any level of service-connected disability rating from the VA
- California resident
Pathway B: Dependent of Disabled or Deceased Veteran
- Child or spouse of veteran who is service-connected disabled or deceased due to service
- California resident
- Under age 27 (for some programs), or no age limit for others
Pathway C: Congressional Medal of Honor
- Recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor
- Child of Medal of Honor recipient
Pathway D: CalVet Fee Waiver (Children of Veterans)
- Parent was a California resident at time of entry into service
- Parent served during a qualifying war period
- Family meets income requirements
How to Apply
- Determine Eligibility: Review which pathway applies to you
- Gather Documentation:
- DD-214 (veteran’s discharge papers)
- VA disability rating letter (if applicable)
- Proof of California residency
- Birth certificate or marriage certificate (for dependents)
- Contact CalVet: Submit your application through CalVet
- School Certification: Provide eligibility letter to your school’s financial aid office
What’s NOT Covered
- Room and board
- Books and supplies
- Student health insurance
- Campus-specific fees (varies by school)
- Private institution tuition
Using with GI Bill Benefits
The California Fee Waiver can be used alongside the GI Bill:
- Fee Waiver: Covers tuition and mandatory fees
- GI Bill: Provides housing allowance and book stipend
- Strategy: Using both maximizes your total benefits
Participating Institutions
University of California (UC)
Berkeley, Los Angeles, San Diego, Davis, Santa Barbara, Irvine, Santa Cruz, Riverside, Merced
California State University (CSU)
All 23 CSU campuses, including San Diego State, Cal Poly, San Jose State, and more
California Community Colleges
All 116 community colleges statewide
Contact Information
For questions about the California College Fee Waiver:
- CalVet: calvet.ca.gov
- Phone: 1-844-CALVETS (1-844-225-8387)
