The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday overwhelmingly approved a bill that would expand educational opportunities for veterans by granting them in-state tuition, reports Military Times. Under the legislation, public institutions would be required to charge in-state tuition rates to all veterans or risk losing eligibility for Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits.
The G.I. Bill Tuition Fairness Act (H.R. 357) gained bipartisan support in the House, passing by a 390-0 vote. The bill now moves to the Senate where approval is also expected.
"The men and women who served this nation did not just defend the citizens of their own home states, but the citizens of all 50 states. As such, the educational benefits they receive from the taxpayers should reflect that," said Rep. Jeff Miller (R-FL), chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
Currently, servicemembers and recently discharged veterans can be charged out-of-state tuition for college if they have not been stationed in a state long enough to have established residency. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill covers the full cost of tuition at public universities at the in-state rate but does not pay for the extra fees charged to students designated as out-of-state.
The average non-resident tuition rate at public 4-year schools is $21,706 while resident rates average $8,655, according to the College Board. That is an average 250% increase over in-state tuition rates and in many states, the increase is about 300% for non-residents.
Related Links
The G.I. Bill Tuition Fairness Act of 2013 (H.R. 357)
http://veterans.house.gov/HR357
Military Times
http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20140203/EDU02/302030029