Idaho GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Idaho GI Bill Tuition Rates

Idaho GI Bill recipients can take advantage of a wide range of generous education benefits, but due to 2011 legislative changes, knowing one key limitation of the bill can help them make the most of their education dollars. Under changes known as GI Bill 2.0, tuition benefits at public colleges and universities are limited to the in-state student rate. If you are attending an Idaho college, knowing how the state determines residency can help you understand your tuition benefits.

Idaho Exemptions for Military Personnel

Like many states, Idaho generally requires you to have lived in the state for 12 consecutive months leading up to your enrollment to be eligible for in-state student rates. However, there are a number of exceptions to the 12-month requirement for eligible military members.

1. Under state law, active-duty military personnel stationed in Idaho along with their spouses and legal dependents are eligible for in-state tuition at all public colleges and universities. Students who stay enrolled at the same Idaho institution keep their eligibility for in-state rates, even if the military member is transferred out of Idaho.
2. Idaho also grants in-state rates to officers and enlisted members of the Idaho National Guard, regardless of their state of residence.
3. Veterans who served at least two years in the military and received an honorable discharge can also receive in-state tuition, provided they designate Idaho as their intended place of residence at the time of discharge. To maintain eligibility, they must enroll in an Idaho college and establish permanent residence in the state within one year. Dependents of veterans who meet these criteria may also be eligible.

If you want to claim these tuition benefits, you do so through the admissions or registrar's office at the public schools you are applying to. You may also be asked to submit a certified copy of your military orders if you are on active duty or your DD-214 separate papers if you are a veteran.

Additional Idaho Educational Benefits

Idaho is also home to Operation Education, which provides scholarships and financial assistance to veterans who were permanently disabled after 9/11 and are pursuing a degree at the University of Idaho. In most cases, their spouses are also eligible for the program. Scholarships are also available for eligible dependents of veterans who were killed, sounded or missing in action. More information on Idaho scholarships is available from the state Division of Veterans Services.

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.