Empire State University announced a significant expansion of its military grant program, extending comprehensive educational benefits to veterans’ spouses for the first time. Beginning fall 2025, undergraduate military spouses of active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans are eligible for a military grant that aligns tuition with the in-state rate of $295 per credit hour and provides the same covered fees previously available only to service members.
The expansion represents an evolution of SUNY Empire’s military support initiatives. Originally limited to spouses of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel, the 2020 program now expands to include veteran spouses and adds coverage for the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) fee—providing more complete financial support for military families pursuing higher education.
“This expansion for veteran spouses reflects SUNY Empire’s commitment to serving military families—removing financial barriers and empowering active duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran members, along with their spouses, to achieve their educational goals,” says Desiree Drindak, SUNY Empire’s Veteran and Military Resource Center director.
The grant program requires verification of military affiliation.
SUNY Empire has long provided comprehensive support to military-affiliated students and serves more such students than any other campus in the 64-institution SUNY system. Nearly 20% of all SUNY degrees granted to military-affiliated students come from SUNY Empire.
Beyond financial coverage, SUNY Empire has built support systems designed for military families. The university’s online format accommodates challenges such as irregular schedules, deployment separations, and frequent moves.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, military spouses face a 21% unemployment rate—six times the civilian rate—and often struggle to maintain career continuity due to relocations and lack of childcare. SUNY Empire’s online programs allow spouses to continue their education regardless of where assignments take their families.
With the Fall 2025 expansion, SUNY Empire’s military grant program—funded with institutional support—now offers:
• In-state tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for undergraduate military spouses
• Tuition for active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran students aligned with the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance limit of $250 per credit hour
• Covered fees including the Credit for Prior Learning fee
• Eligibility extended to active-duty personnel, National Guard members, Reserve personnel, veterans, and all their spouses
The program reinforces SUNY Empire’s broader commitment to accessible, flexible, high-quality education.
“The expansion represents enhanced benefits and recognition of military spouses as essential partners in military service,” said Drindak. “They deserve educational opportunities that support their aspirations.”