Residency and the Military
An explanation of how using military benefits can offer a student in state residency
Effective July 1, 2015, the Pennsylvania Board of Governors approved charging in-state tuition for programs of education when a "covered individual" actively uses one of the education benefits listed below in compliance with Section 7020 of the Veteran's Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Choice Act). See the Board of Governors' Policy 2015-01: Veterans' In-State Tuition Benefits.
The Choice Act allows us to designate any veterans, their spouses and dependent children who do not currently reside in Pennsylvania, as residents of the Commonwealth for billing purposes if they are actively utilizing one of the below education benefits. They must be a resident of the Commonwealth as of the first day of the semester or term of the college (this includes on-campus housing).
- Chapter 1606 or 1607 - Educational Assistance Benefits relating to the Military Reserves
- Chapter 30 - All-Volunteer Force Educational Assistance
- Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 Educational Assistance
- Chapter 35 - A child, spouse, or surviving spouse who is eligible to receive benefits under Chapter 35
Tuition Assistance and Education Assistance Program do NOT qualify a student for the reduced, in-state tuition rate.
Link to additional tuition information for out of state students