Sup y'all, my family and I moved around quite a bit because of my parents' military service. This makes my residency status a bit of a gray area. Are there colleges that don't charge out-of-state tuition for military families?
Hello! Indeed, many colleges and universities across the country offer out-of-state tuition waivers or discounts to students with military-affiliated families. This is often part of each schools' commitment to support military members, veterans, and their families.
As a student who is part of a military family, you might qualify for in-state tuition rates through certain programs or legislative acts. The most prominent of these is the "Choice Act," an amendment made to the GI Bill that allows any student eligible for the GI Bill to get in-state tuition, regardless of residency.
This is applicable to veterans and the eligible dependents of veterans, so depending on the specifics of your parents' military service, you might benefit from this. It matters not where you've moved or where you're currently living.
Another consideration is attending schools that participate in the "Yellow Ribbon Program," where institutions voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to cover a portion of the tuition costs that exceed the maximum national cap of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and the VA matches the school's contribution.
If you're planning on attending a public institution, each state has its own laws regarding tuition for veterans and their dependents. Be sure to research those specifics as well.
One thing to note is that the benefits may change depending on whether your parent is active-duty or retired. Be sure to confirm the details with each specific institution you're interested in, as the benefits can fluctuate. Hope that helps!
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