Alaska GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Alaska GI Bill Tuition Rates

Changes made to the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2011 limit tuition benefits at public schools to in-state student rates. While out-of-state students in some states might see increased costs, Alaska veterans and active-duty servicemembers can take advantage of the state's generous residency policy for military personnel.

Alaska Residency Requirements and Exceptions for the Military

According to the University of Alaska, as a general rule you must have lived in the state for at least two years prior to enrolling in college to be considered a resident for tuition purposes. However, under policy set by the University of Alaska Board of Regents, eligible military personnel and veterans, as well as their spouses and dependent children, can receive in-state tuition rates at Alaska public schools even if they do not meet general residency requirements.

Under federal law, all active-duty military personnel and their families who are stationed in Alaska are eligible for in-state student rates at any of the University of Alaska system schools. Additionally, Alaska grants National Guard personnel, spouses and dependent children in-state tuition. Finally, veterans using a military education benefit from the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as their eligible family members, receive in-state tuition.

How to Apply for Alaskan State Residency

Military personnel wishing to take advantage of in-state tuition in Alaska must fill out the Application for Resident Tuition Assessment, and may be asked to supply supporting documents such as military ID, military orders or discharge pagers. Your school of choice makes the final decision on your residency status at the time of application. This status is subject to review every two years.

Other Alaskan State Military Benefits

According to the Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs, spouses and dependents of eligible military personnel can receive a waiver of tuition and fees at public schools in Alaska. To be eligible, the servicemember must have died in service, died as a result of service-connected injuries, or been classified as missing in action or as a prisoner of war. The tuition waiver is good for undergraduate tuition only. Contact the Alaska Office of Veterans Affairs to learn more.

GIBill.com has done its best to ensure that the above information is accurate. However, GIBill.com cannot guarantee its accuracy and encourages you to check with your school for its residency requirements to qualify for in-state tuition.