Oregon GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Oregon GI Bill Tuition Information

Changes to the Post-9/11 GI Bill that took effect in 2011 affect the tuition benefit for active-duty servicemembers and veterans attending public schools. The education benefit will only cover tuition at the in-state student rate.

Oregon Residency and Exemptions for Military Personnel

In Oregon, like other states, tuition is higher for non-residents than for resident students. Typically, residents are those who have lived in the state for at least 12 months and have demonstrated intent to make the state their permanent home.

According to state and federal law, there are a few exemptions for members of the armed forces in Oregon. According to the Oregon Administrative Rules, members of the military and their dependents qualify as residents for educational purposes under the following circumstances:

1. They reside in Oregon while on duty at any station, base, shore establishment or other military facility.
2. They reside in Oregon as members of a ship crew with a shore establishment or permanent station in Oregon.
3. They file Oregon state income taxes no later than 12 months before leaving active duty, even if their current home is in another state or foreign country. However, anyone claiming residency under this provision must display intent to return to Oregon within six months of his or her completed service.

The above applies to active-duty and reserve military personnel as well as National Guard members.

Additionally, a resident of Oregon who enters the armed services retains residency until the classification is voluntarily relinquished. For example, an Oregonian will lose residency if he or she seeks to establish residency in another state but wouldn't lose residency just by being stationed outside the state for an extended period.

In some cases, military personnel will be required to submit a statement from their commanding officer to receive in-state tuition, simply to confirm they are not just stationed in Oregon for educational purposes.

Other State Benefits in Oregon

Oregon University System schools also offer a tuition waiver for spouses and dependents of military personnel who died in service or who became 100 percent disabled due to military service. The tuition waiver covers 100 percent of tuition for a bachelor's or master's degree. Family members must be Oregon residents to qualify for this benefit.

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.