West Virginia GI Bill Tuition and Residency Requirements

GI Bill Tuition Benefits in West Virginia

Legislation amending the Post-9/11 GI Bill in 2011 changes tuition benefits for military personnel and veterans. Under the newest version of the bill, tuition payments for students at public colleges and universities are limited to the in-state tuition rates. While members of the armed forces in West Virginia have to meet the state's 12-month minimum residency requirement to qualify for in-state tuition rates, others servicemembers may be able to get in-state rates more quickly under special residency guidelines for military personnel.

West Virginia Residency for Military Members

According to West Virginia's Higher Education Policy Commission, military personnel serving on full-time, active status in West Virginia, as well as their spouses and dependent children, are eligible for in-state tuition and fees as long as they are also living in the state.

Additionally, West Virginia residents serving overseas or in another state on military service maintain their residency for tuition and fee purposes, as do their spouses and dependents.

All other military personnel, including veterans, need to qualify for residency under general guidelines. In most cases, a minimum period of residency of one year is required, but in certain situations, individuals living in West Virginia for less than 12 months may be considered a resident if sufficient evidence is provided. This evidence may include proof of full-time employment, ownership of a permanently occupied house, payment of West Virginia taxes or marriage to a West Virginia resident.

Application to Become a West Virginia Resident

According to state guidelines, each public institution is responsible for assessing a student's residency situation and making a final decision. Students should contact the admissions office for details on any documents or statements required by the institution. For those indicating they were West Virginia residents at the time they entered the military, sworn statements may be required by the college or university.

Additional Education Benefits for Veterans

In addition to the GI Bill, West Virginia veterans also have access to state money for post-secondary education. The West Virginia Veteran's Re-education Act Fund provides money for unemployed and low-income veterans who need additional training. Individuals must be honorably discharged military personnel and have served 181 days of consecutive service to be eligible. The program is only available to West Virginia residents who have exhausted their other veteran education benefits.

Another initiative created for military families is the State War Orphans Education Program. This benefit waives college tuition and fees for any dependent whose veteran parent died during a time of conflict as declared by Congress.

Finally, individual schools may have additional benefits. For example, West Virginia University offers a tuition waiver to eligible honorably discharged veterans who have used up or were not eligible for GI Bill benefits. Check with your school for more detailed benefit and financial aid information.

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.