Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1917-1964 (Creation)
Extent
0.84 linear feet (2 document cases)
Name of creator
Administrative history
When the United States entered World War I in 1917, many students left college to serve in the military. After the armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, discharged servicemen began returning to college campuses. Recognizing a responsibility to support these veterans, the South Dakota Legislature passed the “Veteran’s Free Tuition Law” in 1919, allocating $15,000 to cover tuition costs. This financial support continued through 1920.
Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. entered World War II on December 8, 1941. Once again, large numbers of students left college for military service. By the spring of 1944, even as the war continued, the first returning servicemen began reappearing on campus. The G.I. Bill (Public Law 346), signed into law on June 22, 1944, provided comprehensive benefits to eligible veterans, including government-funded education and training, unemployment readjustment allowances, and guaranteed loans for homes, farms, or businesses. The education and training provisions ended on July 25, 1951, though those already enrolled or with valid interruptions could continue. Training benefits under this bill concluded entirely in 1956. A new G.I. Bill, passed on July 16, 1952, extended similar benefits to veterans of the Korean conflict.
In addition, the Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Public Law 16), enacted on March 24, 1943, offered training opportunities for disabled World War II veterans. Those qualifying under this act received the same subsistence allowances as those under the G.I. Bill. While training could begin any time after discharge, it had to be completed by July 25, 1956.
South Dakota State University saw many students affected by these laws. To support them, the university established a Veterans Advising Office after World War II. This office assisted returning veterans with their transition to college life, helping them navigate paperwork and access financial benefits.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
The collection is composed of certificates and records documenting tuition support provided to veterans enrolled at SDSC. The World War I certificates verify veterans’ eligibility for state-funded tuition under South Dakota’s Veteran’s Free Tuition Law and confirm amounts owed by the state. Each certificate provides service and residency details, discharge status, and confirmation of attendance without payment of tuition.
Also included are 575 individual records documenting tuition waivers for veterans, listing personal and service information, college enrollment and attendance data, administrative status with the Veterans Administration, and whether the student continued after benefit expiration.
This collection provides insight into South Dakota’s early efforts to support veterans’ higher education, particularly through legislative and federal initiatives like the Veteran’s Free Tuition Law and the G.I. Bill. It also serves as a record of individual veteran students at SDSC, illustrating the university’s role in postwar readjustment and the impact of government support on access to education for servicemen.
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
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Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use. .sdstate.edu/sdsu-archives-and-special-collections/researcher-registration-form)
The collection is open for research, but please note that the materials in the Archives do not circulate and can only be used In the SDSU Archives and Special Collections Reading Room.
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In most cases, the materials in this collection have not been digitized and are not available online.
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections supports access to the materials in its collections. However, access to some items may be restricted due to their fragile condition, donor agreements, or other considerations.
If you would like to know more about the contents of the collection, please contact the SDSU Archives at: Telephone: 605-688-5094 Email: arcrefs@sdstate.edu
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:
- Permission: Written permission must be obtained from the SDSU Archives for any reproduction, publication, or quotation of materials.
- Copyright: Users are responsible for complying with copyright laws and securing any necessary permissions from copyright holders.
- Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
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Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.
For more information or to request permission, please contact the SDSU Archives.
Languages of the material
English
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.