Recent Tennessee legislation has passed, allowing veterans to obtain a more affordable education. The Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act grants in-state tuition rates for former members of the U.S. armed forces and former or current members of a reserve or a Tennessee National Guard unit called into active U.S. military service at any Tennessee public college or university within 24 months of their discharge date.
Previously, veterans who relocated to Tennessee after being discharged were required to pay out-of-state tuition until they could formally establish residency, since the Post-9/11 and Montgomery GI Bills will only cover the cost of in-state tuition.
“This is just another way to support our veterans who have served our country, and we look forward to serving even more veterans,” said Dr. Michael Stokes, Cleveland State vice president of Student Affairs.
To qualify for in-state tuition under the VETS Act, veterans must maintain continuous enrollment and, within the first year of enrolling, register to vote in Tennessee or demonstrate intent to become a resident of the state by obtaining at least two of the following: a Tennessee driver’s license, Tennessee motor vehicle registration, proof of employment in the state or other documentation clearly evidencing residence in the state.
The VETS Act also outlines criteria by the Tennessee higher education commission for institutions to become a designated VETS campus, or a campus that has demonstrated educational support for veterans.
Sections of the VETS Act regarding tuition rates took effect on July 1.
For more information, contact Gail Greenwood, assistant director of Admissions at Cleveland State Community College at 423 472-7141, ext. 264.