Colleagues and Fellow Veterans,
This
is a note providing you an update on Veterans Access, Choice, and
Accountability Act of 2014 (“Choice Act”) as it pertains to the in-state
tuition provision – Section 702.
The
in-state tuition provision requires VA to disapprove programs of
education under the Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bill programs at public
institutions of higher learning if the schools charge qualifying
Veterans, spouses, and dependents tuition and fees in excess of the rate
for resident students for terms that begin after July 1, 2015. As
such, any schools that do not meet the requirements will be disapproved
for Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Students Eligible for In-State Tuition under Section 702 are:
-
A Veteran who lives in the state in which the institution of higher learning is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school 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 in which the institution of higher learning is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within 3 years of the transferor’s 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 in which the institution of higher learning is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the Servicemember’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
- The following is a link providing additional information; http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/school_resources.asp
The
law affecting in-state tuition charges is effective for terms starting
after July 1, 2015. Our initial review of all states and territories
indicate that none are fully compliant with the law – some are more
compliant than others. We are making every effort to ensure all states
understand the requirements to comply. We have reached out to all state
Governors, our State Approving Agencies and a wide variety of others to
ensure they know the ramifications of not complying with the Choice
Act.
Public
institutions must offer in-state tuition and fees to all eligible
individuals identified above by July 1, 2015, to be eligible to receive
payments for training on or after that date. It is anticipated that VA
will not issue payments for any students eligible for VA benefit
payments until the school complies. Much can/could happen between now
and July 1, 2015 but we like to provide what we know for the moment.
V/R
Deputy Under Secretary for Economic Opportunity
Veterans Benefits Administration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
