Alabama GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Alabama GI Bill Tuition Rates

Recent changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill have altered the way Alabama servicemembers' and veterans' educational benefits are determined. Under the updated Post-9/11 GI Bill, also known as GI Bill 2.0, tuition benefits for veterans attending public schools are capped at the in-state rate for the college of their choice. Out-of-state students must make up the difference in cost for non-resident tuition. Understanding Alabama residency guidelines can help you maximize your GI Bill benefits.

Alabama Residency Guidelines and Military Servicemembers

Under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, active-duty military servicemembers stationed in Alabama are eligible for in-state residency regardless of their time spent in the state. Spouses and dependent children of these military personnel are also eligible to receive in-state tuition rates. If you enroll at an Alabama public school under this provision, you can continue to receive in-state tuition rates even if the servicemember is transferred to another state.

According to the University of Alabama Registrar, veterans and members of the National Guard or Reserves must meet the residency requirements for civilians. They must have lived in Alabama for at least one year prior to the date of registration to be eligible for in-state tuition. The following documents are just a few of those that can be used to establish residency:

• Alabama tax records
• Military records, such as Leaving & Earning Statements
• Property ownership records
• Banking documents
• Voter registration forms

Alabama civilian residents who must leave the state for military service generally retain their Alabama residency, according to the University of Alabama Board of Trustees.

How to Apply for Alabama State Residency

Residency status for tuition purposes is determined by the school to which you apply, at the time of application, and is subject to reevaluation following any one-year (or three-semester) absence, or until you petition for reclassification. If you were denied state residency before but wish to be reevaluated, you must fill out a petition for reclassification that is available though most school registrar offices.

Active-duty personnel and their dependents applying for in-state status may need to submit documentation of their service in the state.

Additional Alabama Military Education Benefits

Alabama offers military servicemembers a number of educational benefits beyond those established by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. According to the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, in-state tuition may be waived for Purple Heart recipients pursuing an undergraduate degree, provided they are currently Alabama residents and were residents when they were awarded the Purple Heart. Veterans wishing to claim this benefit must submit form DD-214 to their school.

Meanwhile, the Alabama GI Dependent program provides spouses and dependents of eligible military personnel with up to five years of tuition-free in-state education. To be eligible, the supporting servicemember must have been an Alabama civilian resident killed in action, missing in action, taken prisoner of war or have sustained a qualifying service-connected disability.

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.