Washington GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

GI Bill Tuition Benefits in Washington

Under GI Bill 2.0 updates to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, tuition benefits at public colleges are limited to in-state tuition rates. Military personnel may qualify for residency in Washington based on their service in the Armed Forces, or they may need to meet civilian residency requirements, which require living in the state for one year before enrolling in an educational program.

Residency for Washington Military Families and Civilians

According to Washington state law, active-duty military members who are stationed in Washington are entitled to receive in-state tuition rates, as are members of the Washington National Guard serving on active status. Spouses and dependents of active-duty military personnel stationed in the state may also receive in-state tuition rates. They remain eligible for these rates even if the military member is reassigned to another state, so long as they maintain continuous enrollment.

Washington law does not automatically recognize veterans and retired military personnel who were assigned to the state at the time of their retirement as state residents, and in most cases they need to meet civilian residency requirements. However, Washington residents who left the state for military service can apply for resident tuition, provided they returned to the state within 12 months of discharge.

In addition, individuals living in one of 13 Oregon border counties may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at some Washington colleges and university campuses.

Applying for In-State Tuition in Washington

Students applying for military residency typically need to fill out a special application from the school. In many cases, students may be required to submit a copy of military orders and a military ID to support their claim for residency.

Students should check with the college or university registrar's office to determine the appropriate paperwork to file with their application. For example, at the University of Washington, students may have to complete a Resident Tuition for Military Personnel form or a Washington National Guard form. Meanwhile, Evergreen State College has one tuition waiver form that can be used by either active-duty personnel or guard members.

Other Education Programs and Benefits in Washington

Washington is one of the few states that offer tuition waivers for resident veterans. The state legislature has authorized all community colleges, colleges and universities to waive up to 100 percent of tuition costs for eligible veterans and National Guard members. The waiver varies by institution, so military personnel should check with the college or university for details on their program. For example, both the University of Washington and Washington State University waive 50 percent of in-state tuition and fees.

In addition, state law requires public institutions to waive 100 percent of undergraduate tuition costs for surviving spouses and dependents of Washington servicemembers, including active National Guard, who are killed or become totally disabled in the course of their duties. Graduate tuition waivers for these individuals are encouraged but not mandated under state law.

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.