New Hampshire GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

New Hampshire GI Bill Tuition Benefits

Under 2011 changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, tuition reimbursement for military personnel attending public schools and universities is limited to in-state rates. If you are thinking about attending a public college or university in New Hampshire, understanding your residency status can help you make the most of your GI Bill benefits.

Residency for New Hampshire Schools and Exemptions for Military Personnel

If you're a member of the United States Armed Forces and stationed in New Hampshire under military orders, the federal 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act grants you, your spouse and your dependent children residency status for in-state tuition at public schools. As long as you stay enrolled in school, you and your family can continue to claim residency status even if you are transferred out of state. You must have been on active duty for at least 30 days before you become eligible for this benefit. This benefit does not extend to National Guard members.

Residents of New Hampshire serving in the military outside the state, and their dependents, can still claim residency for tuition purposes.

To qualify for civilian residency in New Hampshire, students must prove they've lived in the state for at least 12 consecutive months before registration for the term for which they're claiming residency status. In addition, you generally need to show intent to make the state your permanent home. To support your claim of residency, you may be asked for documents such as the following:

1. Automobile registration
2. Copies of federal income tax returns
3. Driver's licenses
4. Resident tax receipts
5. Statements of voter registration, automobile registration and resident tax receipts.

The admissions office at your particular school makes final residency decisions based on the information you provide. In-state status is for tuition purposes only and may not be the same as residency for tax or other legal purposes.

How to Apply for In-State Status in New Hampshire

When applying for admission, you must fill out and submit a notarized Application for In-State Status along with copies of the acceptable proof of residency and a Notarized Residency Statement attesting to legal New Hampshire residency. You may attach a letter of explanation if you'd like. Follow the specific rules for the type of student you are--dependent, independent or married.

If you're a New Hampshire resident serving in the military outside the state, you must submit a statement establishing that you entered the Armed Forces as a New Hampshire resident, and your commanding officer must certify this statement. Submit all documents to the registrar at your school.

Other New Hampshire Benefits for Servicemembers

According to the New Hampshire State Office of Veterans Services, additional education benefits are available to children of two types of veterans:

• If you're the child of a veteran who died in service during wartime or from a service-related disability, you may qualify for free tuition at New Hampshire public schools. In addition, you could receive a scholarship of up to $2,500 for rent, books and supplies for up to four years.
• If you're the child of a still-missing servicemember and New Hampshire resident who served after Feb. 28, 1961, you're entitled to free tuition at a state vocational-technical college.

Additionally, the University of New Hampshire waives the application fee for existing and former members of the U.S. military.

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.