Vermont GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

Vermont GI Bill Tuition Rates

As of August 2011, the Post-9/11 GI Bill covers all tuition and fees at public colleges--but only at the in-state rate. Under the new guidelines, out-of-state students at public colleges are responsible for the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition rates. To ensure that you qualify for in-state rates in Vermont, you must establish state residency.

Vermont Residency Guidelines for Active-Duty Military and Veterans

Vermont's public higher education institutions follow policies set by the state's two governing bodies: Vermont State Colleges and the University of Vermont Board of Trustees. Both Vermont State Colleges and University of Vermont schools require one full year of state residency before enrollment.

Vermont military personnel are exempt from the 12-month residency requirement if they resided in Vermont for at least one year prior to leaving the state for a military assignment, and are still in the service. Temporary absence from the state due to military service does not count against residency claims as long as you can establish continued ties to the state such as paying taxes in Vermont or owning property in the state.

Active-duty military personnel and their dependents who are transferred to Vermont can qualify for resident status while stationed on active duty in the state. Under federal law, eligibility for in-state tuition is maintained even if the servicemember is transferred out of Vermont as long as the student remains continuously enrolled.

Applying for Vermont Residency

The University of Vermont and the Community College of Vermont each have a separate application for residency status; other institutions incorporate proof of residency into the main enrollment application. Military applicants can expect to submit the following documentation, if applicable, along with their application:

• Military home of record or state of legal residence certification
• Vermont tax return
• Proof of Vermont voter registration
• Vermont driver's license or vehicle registration
• Bank accounts or property ownership in Vermont

Each school evaluates these supporting documents to determine Vermont residency.

Additional Benefits for Vermont Military

Survivors of Vermont military personnel who die or are disabled in the line of duty are also eligible for education benefits. The state of Vermont offers the Armed Services Scholarship for the dependents of military members who died on active duty after 2001. The scholarship applies to undergraduate study at a Vermont school, offering full tuition at public schools and reduced tuition for private school.

Vermont National Guard members may also be eligible for tuition assistance and scholarships. Contact the Vermont National Guard Education Office at 802-338-3346 for more information on education benefits for Vermont Guard members.

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.