Colorado GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Colorado GI Bill Tuition Rates

Legislative changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2011 expand benefits for military personnel and veterans across the nation, but they come with a catch for veterans attending out-of-state colleges. GI Bill 2.0, as the recent changes are known, limits tuition benefits at public schools to the in-state student rate. Students attending schools outside their state of residence are responsible for the additional tuition charges, so knowing your state's residency requirements is key to understanding your GI Bill tuition benefits.

Colorado Residency and Military Personnel

If you are stationed on active duty in Colorado, you, your spouse and your dependents are all eligible for in-state tuition at Colorado public colleges, regardless of how long you have been in the state.

The state of Colorado also offers in-state tuition rates to all honorably discharged veterans living in Colorado, even if they have lived there for less than a year. Participating institutions may extend this benefit to spouses and dependents as well.

Military personnel who are stationed out of the state for long periods of time can retain residency if they maintain their Colorado voter registration and name Colorado as their state of legal residence when filing taxes.

Otherwise, to be considered an in-state student in Colorado, you must have lived in the state for one year prior to the first day of class with intent to reside permanently in Colorado. These guidelines are from the Colorado Commission on Higher Education. Intent can be shown through Colorado voter registration, driver's licence, income taxes and employment. Additional rules exist if you're under 22 or are dependent on your parents.

Other Military Tuition Benefits in Colorado

The Colorado National Guard offers tuition assistance for anyone in drilling status who serves at least six months. A list of participating schools can be found on the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website. This funding is intended to be used together with federal Tuition Assistance, and it may cover up to 100 percent of your tuition.

Some public schools in Colorado offer free tuition for children of prisoners of war or service members who are missing in action, as long as the parent was a resident when joining the military. Children of Colorado National Guardsmen who died or were permanently disabled during service and who aren't eligible for benefits through the VA may also qualify for a tuition waiver.

How to Apply for Colorado Benefits

To apply for in-state status, you need to complete and submit the Military Tuition Adjustment Request Form. If you are claiming residency because you are on active duty in Colorado, you must have reported to a duty station in Colorado before the first day of class and provided confirmation from your military commander. The Colorado Department of Higher Education recommends that you contact the Education Officer where you're stationed for additional information.

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.