Montana GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Montana GI Bill Tuition Rates

In 2011, a number of changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill went into effect. Among the major changes was a new way of calculating tuition benefits at public colleges. Under GI Bill 2.0, as the latest version is known, students attending public colleges and universities are only eligible for tuition benefits at the in-state student rate. If you want to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill at a Montana public college, understanding the state's residency requirements can help you plan for college.

Montana Residency Guidelines and Military Servicemembers

The Montana Board of Regents, in accordance with federal law, also grants in-state tuition rates to any member of the military stationed on active duty in Montana, along with her spouse and dependent children. This residency status lasts as long as the servicemember is stationed in the state.

All other military personnel must meet general residency requirements, which include living in Montana for at least 12 months prior to enrolling in classes. If you need to leave Montana for military service, you are exempt from this requirement, provided you were a Montana resident when you entered the military and didn't take steps to establish residency anywhere else while you were enlisted.

Additionally, Montana servicemembers who want to re-establish residency after a period of absence from the state may be exempt from the 12-month physical presence requirement if they are stationed elsewhere, provided they meet all other conditions of residency during that period.

How to Apply for Montana State Residency

Your school's registrar handles residency applications and determinations. In most cases, you are required to provide proof of active-duty service and honorable discharge, if relevant. Family members may be asked for proof that they are a spouse or dependent of a military member, along with military paperwork for the servicemember.

Tuition Waiver for Montana Veterans

Montana is one of a small number of states that offer a tuition waiver at public colleges to honorably discharged veterans who are state residents and served in combat. Additionally, the state waives tuition for the following members of military families:

1. Children of Montana veterans who were killed in combat or died due to combat injuries or disabilities
2. Spouses and children of Montana servicemembers who are missing in action or prisoner of war
3. Spouses and children of Montana National Guard members killed in the line of duty or due to disability sustained during service

Additional Montana Military Education Benefits

The Montana University System also offers a tuition waiver program for war orphans aged 25 or under whose parent was killed in the line of duty in certain conflicts, including Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The servicemember must have been a Montana resident at the time of enlistment.

Individual colleges and universities may have additional waivers and exemptions for service personnel, veterans and their families; contact prospective schools for more 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.