North Dakota GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

North Dakota GI Bill Tuition Rates

Under legislative changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, tuition benefits for military personnel attending public colleges only cover the in-state tuition rates. While that may leave veterans scrambling at some schools across the country, North Dakota students are in luck. The state offers generous residency benefits to military members.

North Dakota Military Tuition Benefits

According to North Dakota state law, full-time, active-duty military and National Guard personnel who are stationed in North Dakota are eligible for in-state rates at North Dakota public colleges, as are their spouses and dependent children.

Veterans who served on active duty for at least 180 days (or the complete term of duty, if less than 180 days) are also eligible for in-state tuition rates, regardless of their actual state of residence. Veterans who received a dishonorable discharge do not qualify for this benefit.

In-state tuition rates are also offered to children and spouses of veterans who were prisoners of war, declared missing in action, killed or permanently disabled as a result of military service.

How to Apply for Residency in North Dakota

You must submit an application for North Dakota residency with your school. Deadlines vary, so check with your school's registrar for more details. Military personnel may need to submit a copy of active duty orders or military discharge papers to support their residency claim, and military family members may need a copy of federal tax returns or other proof of their dependent status.

If you don't qualify for any of the exceptions listed above, you must meet general residency requirements, which include having lived in North Dakota for at least 12 months prior to enrolling in classes and taking steps to establish legal residency such as voting, paying state taxes or getting a North Dakota driver's license.

Additional State Benefits in North Dakota

Members of the North Dakota National Guard may qualify for a tuition waiver at public schools in North Dakota, provided that they maintain satisfactory performance with the Guard. Guard members who choose to attend a private college or postsecondary school can receive a grant in the amount of tuition and fees for similar courses or credit hours at the University of North Dakota. The school must be accredited to qualify for this grant.

Children and dependent relatives of North Dakota residents who were prisoners of war or were declared missing in action, killed, or totally disabled as a result of military service may be eligible for tuition waivers at state-supported schools. Qualified dependents in this program must pursue a bachelor's degree or certificate and complete its requirements within ten semesters of enrollment.

Further information on these benefits is available from the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

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.