Fry Scholarship in Colorado: Education for Surviving Dependents
Last reviewed: July 2026
Quick Answer
The Fry Scholarship is a federal education benefit for surviving spouses and children of service members who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability. For the 2024–2025 academic year, eligible recipients receive full tuition coverage at public schools and a monthly allowance ($1,041–$2,378 depending on school type and enrollment status). Colorado residents apply through VA.gov using form 22-5490. The benefit applies at any VA-approved institution nationwide, including Colorado colleges, universities, and approved training programs.
Key Facts
- •Fry Scholarship covers tuition, fees, and monthly stipends for eligible dependents and survivors.
- •Dependents of service members who died in service or from service-connected conditions may qualify.
- •Recipients can attend any VA-approved school in the US or abroad.
- •Award amounts vary based on school type and full-time or part-time enrollment.
- •Application is free through VA.gov; processing typically takes 30 days.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Fry Scholarship, you must be an unmarried dependent child or surviving spouse of a service member who died on active duty after September 10, 2001, or from a service-connected disability incurred after September 10, 2001. The service member must have been on active duty or called to active duty status.
Eligible dependents include unmarried children between ages 18 and 33 (or up to age 23 if enrolled in an approved program). Spouses are eligible for 10 years from the date of death or from the date the service member is medically discharged. Children must use their benefit within 15 years of the service member's death or discharge.
The service member must have completed at least 6 months of active duty service. The death or disability does not need to have occurred in a combat zone—it must simply be service-connected and occur after September 10, 2001 (38 U.S.C. § 3532).
Surviving spouses must not have remarried. Children must not be eligible for federal education benefits under another program while using the Fry Scholarship. There are no income or asset limits for this benefit—eligibility is solely based on the service member's military status and the dependent's relationship to that service member.
Approved schools include colleges, universities, graduate schools, community colleges, vocational schools, correspondence programs, and certain flight training providers—all must be VA-approved (38 C.F.R. § 21.3700).
Benefit Amounts
For the 2024–2025 academic year, Fry Scholarship payment rates vary by school type:
Public School (in-state): Full tuition and fees plus a monthly allowance of $389 (full-time) or $292 (three-quarter time) or $195 (half-time).
Private School or Graduate School: Up to $28,720.43 per academic year for tuition and fees, plus monthly allowance of $389 (full-time) or $292 (three-quarter time) or $195 (half-time).
Approved Online Program: Up to $28,720.43 per academic year, plus monthly allowance of $389 (full-time) or proportionally reduced for part-time enrollment.
Monthly Stipend Ranges: $195–$389 per month depending on enrollment status (half-time through full-time).
Flight Training: Reasonable costs of approved flight training, not to exceed the maximum annual rate.
Correspondence Training: Monthly payment set by VA based on course cost divided by months of instruction.
These rates are adjusted annually for inflation through a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) in August. Rates for the 2025–2026 academic year will be announced by the VA in the summer of 2025.
Colorado Benefits on Top of Federal
Colorado does not provide a state-specific addition to the Fry Scholarship. This is a purely federal education benefit administered by the US Department of Veterans Affairs under 38 U.S.C. § 3532.
However, Colorado veterans and dependents may be eligible for additional state-level education benefits. The Colorado Commission on Higher Education oversees several veteran-specific funding sources and tuition benefits for Colorado schools. The Colorado Department of Higher Education offers in-state tuition rates for eligible veterans and dependents at public institutions, which can complement Fry Scholarship benefits.
Colorado also provides other education benefits through the Colorado National Guard, including educational assistance grants for Guard members and their dependents. These benefits operate independently and may stack with federal Fry Scholarship funds.
To maximize education benefits as a Colorado resident, eligible dependents should apply for the Fry Scholarship first (federal, no state supplement) and then inquire about Colorado-specific in-state tuition waivers or reductions through the institution's veterans or financial aid office. Many Colorado schools offer military family scholarships and fee waivers that can be combined with federal aid.
The VA's GI Bill Compare tool (studentaid.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool) and Colorado's higher education website (highered.colorado.gov) provide detailed information on available benefits and which schools participate in federal and state veteran education programs.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
To apply for the Fry Scholarship, visit VA.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/fry-scholarship/ or go directly to the VA's online portal at benefits.va.gov.
Complete VA Form 22-5490 (Application for Dependents' Educational Assistance – Fry Scholarship). This form is available online and can be submitted electronically through your VA.gov account. You do not need to create a separate account if you already have a VA profile; use your existing login.
Required documents include: - Your birth certificate or proof of age - Marriage certificate (if applicable) - Death certificate of the service member (or DD Form 1300 if death was service-connected) - Military discharge papers (DD Form 214) for the deceased service member - School enrollment verification from your institution - Valid photo ID
You can apply online through VA.gov, by mail to the VA Education Service, or in person at a VA regional office. Online submission is fastest—typically 30 days from submission to first payment.
After you submit your application, the VA will review your eligibility based on your relationship to the service member and their service records. You will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) if approved. This certificate must be given to your school's veterans affairs office before you can use the benefit.
You can check your application status at any time by logging into VA.gov or calling the VA Education Service at 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551). Processing times typically range from 30 to 45 days for initial applications.
State Application
Colorado does not administer a separate state application for the Fry Scholarship, as this is a purely federal benefit managed by the VA. However, Colorado residents applying for the Fry Scholarship should register with their chosen school's VA Certifying Official.
Once your Fry Scholarship is approved by the VA, you must:
1. Contact your school's Financial Aid Office or Veterans Services Office and provide your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This step is critical—without notifying your school, the VA cannot pay your benefit.
2. Ensure your school has your Fry Scholarship approval letter from the VA. Your school will verify the benefit with the VA using your claim number and forward enrollment information to the VA each term.
3. If attending a Colorado school, ask the veterans office about in-state tuition status. Many Colorado public universities and community colleges automatically grant in-state tuition to eligible dependents on behalf of deceased or disabled service members. Examples include University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and the Community College of Denver.
Colorado's County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) can assist you in understanding additional state tuition benefits or waivers available at your specific school. Contact your county veteran service office through the Colorado Department of Military & Veteran Affairs at military.colorado.gov or by calling 1-888-336-7576.
Processing is typically handled directly between the VA and your school, requiring no additional state paperwork beyond Fry Scholarship enrollment certification.
Common Reasons for Denial
Claims for the Fry Scholarship are commonly denied due to the following reasons:
1. **Eligibility Timeline Violation**: The service member's death or service-connected disability must have occurred after September 10, 2001. Deaths before this date—even if service-connected—do not qualify. Additionally, children must apply before age 33, and surviving spouses must apply within 10 years of the service member's death (38 U.S.C. § 3532). Applicants sometimes miss these deadlines.
2. **Insufficient Evidence of Service Connection**: If the service member died from a condition not clearly documented as service-connected, the VA may initially deny the claim. You must provide medical records, VA disability rating documentation, or a death certificate clearly stating the cause was service-related. Obtaining a copy of the service member's VA file and any disability decision letter strengthens your case.
3. **Missing or Incorrect Military Documents**: Applications often fail because the DD Form 214 (discharge papers) is incomplete, missing, or shows an uncharacterized discharge. Contact the National Archives to request certified copies: 1-866-272-6272 or vetrecs.archives.gov.
4. **School Not VA-Approved**: If you enroll at a school that is not VA-approved, your claim will be denied. Verify your school's approval status using the VA's GI Bill Comparison Tool at studentaid.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool before enrolling.
5. **Failure to Submit Enrollment Verification**: Schools must certify your enrollment status each term. If your school does not submit this information, the VA cannot process or continue your payment. Contact your school's VA Certifying Official to confirm they are tracking your enrollment.
6. **Dependent Ineligibility Issues**: If you are a dependent but remarried, over age 33, or previously received education benefits under another federal program while using Fry, you may be denied. Ensure your marital status and age are accurately reflected on your application.
**Building a Stronger Claim**: Submit a detailed application packet that includes the service member's DD Form 214, death certificate (with cause of death), and any VA disability rating letter. If death was ruled service-connected by the VA, include that decision letter. Work with your school's veterans office to ensure enrollment verification is submitted promptly each semester.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
If your Fry Scholarship claim is denied, you have three appeal options under the VA's current system:
**1. Supplemental Claim (VA Form 20-0995)** File a supplemental claim if you have new evidence or information not previously submitted. You have one year from the date of the VA's denial letter to file. This is the fastest lane—decisions typically come within 30 days. Use this option if you can provide additional documents, such as a missing death certificate, corrected DD Form 214, or updated school enrollment verification. Submit online at VA.gov, by mail, or in person.
**2. Higher-Level Review (VA Form 20-0996)** Request a higher-level review if you believe the VA made an error in the initial decision or misinterpreted existing evidence. A senior VA reviewer who did not make the original decision will examine your case. You have one year from the denial letter to request this. Processing typically takes 45–90 days. Use this when you have strong existing documentation but believe the VA officer made a factual or legal mistake.
**3. Board of Veterans' Appeals (VA Form 10182)** Appeal to the VA Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) if you want a formal hearing or if the supplemental claim or higher-level review did not resolve your case. You have one year from the denial letter to file. The BVA can take 6–18 months to decide, but you have the right to appear before a Veterans Law Judge and present arguments. This is the longest option but provides the most thorough review.
**Which Lane to Choose**: Start with a Supplemental Claim if you have new evidence. Use a Higher-Level Review if you believe the VA misread or misapplied the rules to your existing documents. Reserve the BVA appeal for cases requiring formal testimony or when the first two options have been exhausted.
**Free Appeal Help**: Contact your County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) at military.colorado.gov or 1-888-336-7576. You can also request free assistance from an accredited VA-recognized Veterans Service Organization (VSO) through the VA at va.gov/vso. Organizations like the American Legion, VFW, and DAV provide free claim and appeal support. Never pay for appeal assistance—it is illegal for non-VSO representatives to charge for VA claims work.
Need help with your Fry Scholarship application or appeal? Contact a Veterans Service Officer for free assistance. Call the Colorado Department of Military & Veteran Affairs at 1-888-336-7576 or visit military.colorado.gov. You can also request free support from an accredited Veterans Service Organization like the American Legion, VFW, or DAV through the VA at va.gov/vso. Never pay for VA benefits help—it is illegal.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Fry Scholarship and the GI Bill?
The Fry Scholarship and GI Bill are both federal education benefits, but they serve different populations. The Fry Scholarship is exclusively for surviving spouses and children of service members who died on active duty or from a service-connected disability after September 10, 2001 (38 U.S.C. § 3532). The GI Bill is for service members and veterans who completed active duty service. Fry Scholarship recipients do not need to be military service members themselves—their eligibility is based entirely on the death or disability of their sponsor (the service member). The Fry Scholarship provides full tuition at public schools plus monthly stipends. The GI Bill provides similar benefits but with different payment structures depending on which GI Bill version you qualify for (Post-9/11, Montgomery Active Duty, etc.). A dependent cannot use both benefits simultaneously; the VA will pay only the higher benefit amount. Colorado residents should compare their eligibility for both programs to determine which provides the greater benefit.
Can I use the Fry Scholarship at a Colorado school, and will I get in-state tuition?
Yes, you can use the Fry Scholarship at any VA-approved school in Colorado, including University of Colorado, Colorado State University, the University of Denver, Colorado School of Mines, and community colleges throughout the state. The Fry Scholarship covers full tuition and fees at public schools plus a monthly allowance. Many Colorado public universities automatically grant in-state tuition to eligible dependents of deceased or disabled service members, regardless of where you lived before. Contact your chosen school's veterans affairs office to confirm they participate in the Fry Scholarship program and to ask about any additional state tuition waivers available. Your school's VA Certifying Official must submit enrollment verification to the VA each semester for payments to continue. Colorado residents may also qualify for additional in-state tuition discounts through the Colorado Commission on Higher Education; ask your school's financial aid office about these combined with your Fry Scholarship benefit.
I am a surviving spouse of a service member who died in 2018. Am I still eligible for the Fry Scholarship?
Yes, you are eligible to apply now. Surviving spouses have 10 years from the date of the service member's death to use the Fry Scholarship benefit, as long as they have not remarried (38 U.S.C. § 3532). Since your spouse died in 2018, you have until 2028 to begin using the benefit. If you apply now, the VA will issue your Certificate of Eligibility, and you can enroll at any VA-approved school. Your benefit period begins when you actually enroll—not from the date you apply—so you have flexibility in when you start your education. However, once you begin using the benefit, you have 10 years from your spouse's death to complete your education, so plan your enrollment timeline accordingly. If you remarry, you immediately lose eligibility, so apply now if you intend to pursue education. Contact the VA Education Service at 1-888-442-4551 if you need help determining your exact eligibility end date.
How much money will I receive each month, and what does it cover?
Monthly payments under the Fry Scholarship depend on the type of school you attend and whether you are enrolled full-time, three-quarter time, or half-time. For the 2024–2025 academic year, at public schools the monthly allowance ranges from $195 (half-time) to $389 (full-time). At private schools, universities, or approved online programs, you receive up to $28,720.43 per academic year in tuition coverage plus the same monthly allowance ($195–$389 depending on enrollment status). The benefit also covers all fees, books, and supplies up to the school's standard attendance cost. You do not receive a refund if the school's tuition is lower than the maximum allowed—you receive the actual tuition charged, up to the annual cap. If you attend part-time, your monthly payment is reduced proportionally. These rates increase annually each August through a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), so your payment will grow over time. Check your specific payment amount by logging into your VA.gov account or calling the VA Education Service at 1-888-442-4551.
What happens if I change schools or drop out, and can I use leftover benefits later?
If you change schools, notify both your current school's veterans office and your new school's VA Certifying Official. The VA will transfer your benefit to the new school without requiring a new application. Your Certificate of Eligibility remains valid and follows you. If you drop out, your monthly stipend payments stop immediately, but your overall 15-year eligibility period does not reset—unused benefit time remains available for future use (38 C.F.R. § 21.3710). For example, if you attend for 2 years and then drop out, you retain 13 years of eligibility to return to school or enroll elsewhere. However, if you fail to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as defined by your school, the VA may suspend your benefit. You would need to regain satisfactory progress to resume payments. If you are a dependent child, remember that your benefit must be used before age 33 or within 15 years of the service member's death, whichever comes first. If you are a surviving spouse, your benefit must be used within 10 years of the service member's death. Plan your education timeline accordingly, as unused benefits do not carry forward past these deadlines.
Related Benefits in Colorado
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. § 3532 — Establishes Fry Scholarship eligibility and benefit structure
- 38 C.F.R. § 21.3700 — Defines dependents eligible under Fry Scholarship program
- 38 U.S.C. § 3533 — Sets payment rates and monthly stipend calculations
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 3 statutes. Last reviewed July 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by July 2027.
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