Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Veterans of any branch of the American Armed Forces or any branch of the National Guard who move to Rhode Island can pay in-state tuition at the state's three public colleges right away, instead of waiting for a year to establish residency.

The new policy was approved May 11 by the Board of Governors for Higher Education and goes into effect Aug. 1, said Higher Education Commissioner Jack R. Warner.

"In moving to change this policy, I believe we are in keeping with the spirit of the new federal GI Bill, which provides a greater and more expanded menu of education benefits for our military veterans," Warner said. Some other states have instituted similar policies but have added a requirement for community service, a move Rhode Island chose not to make, Warner said.

"It is our belief that veterans have already completed the highest level of community service possible in serving our country," he said.

According to the new policy, a veteran of any branch of the Marines, Navy, Army, Air Force and Coast Guard and any veteran of any branch of a state's National Guard who has been on active duty for a minimum of 24 months shall, after moving to the state, be considered a Rhode Island resident for the purposes of determining tuition and fees at the Community College or Rhode Island, Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island.

Veterans seeking this benefit must have a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the federal Department of Veterans Affairs, and a Rhode Island mailing address, not a post office box.

The new policy does not apply to state-sponsored financial aid. For financial aid purposes, residency must be established by Jan. 31 prior to the academic year in which the student enrolls. The veterans Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed on or before March 1 for the year in which the veteran is seeking state-sponsored financial aid.

 Tags  Board of Governors for Higher Education

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