In-State Tuition for Military Affiliated Students and GI Bill庐 Users
The Tennessee Choice Act passed in 2017 and a 2022 State Law, (PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 791 SENATE BILL NO. 2486), guarantees all military affiliated and GI Bill using students who attend schools within the state of Tennessee, in-state tuition rates. Eligibility under both classifications is listed below:
(GI Bill庐 is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at .)
Eligibility for in-state tuition rates under the Tennessee Choice Act
The following 鈥渃overed individuals鈥� are eligible for in-state tuition rates and fees under the Choice Act:
- A veteran who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
- A spouse or child using transferred benefits who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of the transferor鈥檚 discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
- A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of the servicemember鈥檚 death in the line of duty following a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 791 SENATE BILL NO. 2486
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-1303, is amended by adding the following subdivision:
"Military-affiliated" means active-duty military personnel, reservists, members of the national guard, and reserve officer training corps program cadets. SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-1304, is amended by designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new subsection: (b) The board of regents, the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and each state university board of trustees may classify a veteran or military-affiliated individual as a Tennessee resident who is not required to pay out-of-state tuition or an out-of-state fee if the veteran or military-affiliated individual is: (1) Enrolled in the public institution of higher education; and (2) Resides outside the state of Tennessee. SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.