District of Columbia GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

District of Columbia GI Bill Tuition Rates

A new law in effect in 2011 limits Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition reimbursement to the in-state tuition rate charged at public colleges or universities in the state. Veterans and active servicemembers who reside in Washington, D.C., are eligible for some unique benefits that give them a wide range of options when it comes to using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

District of Columbia Residency Requirements

Military personnel who want to attend public colleges in the District of Columbia face limited options: The University of the District of Columbia is the only public college in D.C. The UDC offers both a community college, which has no residency requirement, as well as a flagship campus, which generally requires one year of residency in the District and surrounding metropolitan areas to receive in-state tuition rates. However, all active-duty military, reserve personnel and National Guard members are eligible for in-state tuition, along with their spouses and dependents.

Additionally, D.C. residents can take advantage of the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DC TAG) program, which pays the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at any public school in the nation, up to $10,000 a year for a maximum of $50,000 or six years, whichever is less. Although you don't have to be affiliated with the military to use the DC TAG program, DC TAG allows eligible D.C. veterans to qualify for in-state rates at public schools nationwide, which gives them a wide range of schools where they can get full tuition benefits using the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

How to Apply for D.C. Tuition Benefits

Servicemembers applying for in-state tuition at the University of the District of Columbia need to present proof of military status.

Individuals who want to apply for the DC TAG program can get application information by calling the DC TAG office at (202) 727-2824. You may be required to show proof of D.C. residency for a minimum of 12 months.

D.C. National Guard Tuition Assistance

Members of the District of Columbia National Guard may be eligible for tuition assistance that covers up to 100 percent of the cost of tuition at public and private schools ranging from high school to graduate programs. Eligibility varies depending on whether you are in the Air or Army National Guard, but eligible Guard members can receive up to $6,000 per year.

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.