The U.S. House of Representatives, including Arizona’s representatives, voted to pass H.R. 357, G.I. Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013 on Monday. H.R. 357, which passed in a 390-to-0 vote would expand education opportunities for veterans by allowing them to attend the state-run higher-education institution of their choice at the in-state tuition rate.
The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.
The bill will require public schools to charge in-state tuition rates to all veterans in order for the school to be eligible to receive G.I. Bill education payments. This requirement would take effect Aug. 1, 2014. G.I. Bill students enrolling before Aug. 1, 2014, at schools that choose not to charge veterans in-state tuition could still apply their benefits toward tuition at those institutions.
According to Congressman Ron Barber’s office, the difference is substantial. At the UA, for example, resident students, who entered last fall, pay $10,391 annually, while non-residents pay $27,073.
Under current law, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill covers tuition and fees at the in-state rate of public schools but due to the wide variance in state residency laws, veterans often have a hard time establishing legal residency where they live. Under current the law, veterans looking to attend a public institution outside of their state of legal residence could have to cover the balance of tuition and fees from a source other than G.I. Bill benefits.
According to the College Board, the average non-resident tuition rate at public 4-year schools is $21,706 while resident rates average $8,655. That is an average 250% increase over in-state tuition rates and in many states, the increase is about 300% for non-residents. This bill would reduce what is often a $24,000 yearly tuition and fee bill to under $9,000 on average.
The G.I. Bill Tuition Fairness Act also has the support of the following organizations:
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
American Legion
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Association of the United States Navy
Fleet Reserve Association
Military Officers Association of America