Military Spouse Residency Rules for College

Last Updated on August 8, 2019

For periods of enrollment that begin after July 1, 2009, members of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and his or her spouse, or his or her dependent children will be eligible to receive in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed. Once a Service member or their family members are enrolled and paying in-state tuition, they will continue to pay the in-state tuition rate as long as they remain continuously enrolled at the institution even if the Service member is reassigned outside the state.

The Department of Education has worked with the institutions of higher education and is confident they are aware of the changes in the law and are fully implementing the policy. However, as we all know, there is always the chance that someone just doesn’t get the word. If this happens, you should contact the financial aid or registrar’s office at the institution. You can also contact the Veterans Affairs office at the institution. Even though you are active duty, these offices should be able to assist you. In the rare cases where these steps don’t resolve the situation, please contact the Department of Education’s Ombudsman’s office (toll-free at 877 557-2575).

4 thoughts on “Military Spouse Residency Rules for College”

  1. Deszarae Phillips

    I had a question about this,

    “For periods of enrollment that begin after July 1, 2009, members of the armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard) on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and his or her spouse, or his or her dependent children will be eligible to receive in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in the state where they reside or are permanently stationed.”

    Does this mean they would pay for mine AND my husband’s tuition for school?? He just joined and will be going to MEPS this week, and basic training and AIT in late October.

  2. I am getting ready to graduate AIT and I go to Airborne school, then to my first duty station, and would love to have my wife with me, I was wondering what would be the best way for my wife to attend college

  3. HI my name is roxanne and I’m new to the army I live in Germany in been here for almost 5 months I am married and I have one child she is 7 and I’m having a 2 child but here in Germany i feel like I don’t feet here because I have try to make firends and I just feel like it dosent work for me

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