Hi! I'm curious which states extend free college opportunities to military personnel (active and veterans). If I were to move, I'd like to have this in mind for my planning. Any insights?
There are several states that offer free or greatly reduced tuition for military personnel and veterans. Before you plan a move, though, you should check the specific requirements and benefits for each program. Here are a few of the states with these benefits:
1. Illinois: The Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG) provides tuition funding for eligible veterans attending public community colleges or public universities.
2. Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, there's the Wisconsin G.I. Bill, which waives tuition and fees for veterans and their dependents at Wisconsin's public institutions.
3. Texas: The Hazlewood Act in Texas provides up to 150 hours of tuition exemption for veterans and certain dependents attending public institutions.
4. California: While it does not offer free tuition, California has the CalVet Fee Waiver benefit, which waives system-wide tuition and fees at state-operated institutions for dependents of disabled vets.
Remember that many of these benefits apply to public institutions in the state and may have residency requirements. Certain states might also offer additional benefits on a case-by-case basis, such as scholarships or grants for veterans studying specific subjects or areas.
Each program will differ in terms of who is eligible, what costs are covered, and how the benefits are applied. It's best to look into these programs directly to understand their specifics. Free and reduced college funding can certainly be a significant factor in your decision of where to move, so do your research and weigh your options carefully.
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