Arkansas GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Arkansas GI Bill Tuition Rates

Effective August 1, 2011, Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition benefits at public schools are capped at the in-state rate for each school. In order to have your tuition and fees fully covered at Arkansas public schools, you need to make sure you qualify for state residency.

Arkansas Residency and Exemptions for Military Personnel

By federal law, any member of the armed forces who is on active duty for 30 days or more is eligible for in-state tuition wherever he or she is stationed. Though this exemption applies to military spouses and dependent children, it doesn't extend to those on full-time National Guard Duty. As long as students continue their enrollment, a school can't change their residency status for tuition purposes when the service member is reassigned out of state.

Certain colleges in Arkansas offer additional benefits to military personnel. Arkansas State University offers in-state tuition rates to veterans regardless of duty station, but the University of Arkansas does not. The University of Arkansas does, however, grant in-state tuition to anyone serving the Arkansas National Guard. GI Bill students should check with their school to learn more about how residency for military personnel is determined.

In general, students are eligible for in-state tuition in Arkansas if their legal residence has been in the state for six continuous months before applying to a school for residency status. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education notes that students also need to show that they intend to make Arkansas their permanent home. These acts could include obtaining an Arkansas driver's license, opening a local bank account or becoming permanently employed in Arkansas.

However, each school in Arkansas determines its own residency and documentation requirements, so ultimately you need to check with your school prior to submitting your application.

How to Apply for In-State Status in Arkansas

After checking your school's residency policy with the registrar's office, you may submit your application for in-state status. Active-duty military members and their families should be prepared with identification and a copy of the Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order. The University of Arkansas also requires a copy of veterans' DD-214.

Other State Benefits in Arkansas

The spouse or dependent children of an Arkansas servicemember who has been declared a prisoner of war, killed in action, totally and permanently disabled or missing in action may be able to receive additional benefits as part of the state's Military Dependents Scholarship Program. Both the student and qualifying veteran must be Arkansas residents to receive benefits. The scholarship covers the portion of tuition, fees and on-campus housing and meals not covered under the Dependents Education Assistance benefit provided by the Veterans Administration.

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.