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In-State Tuition for Military Affiliated Students and GI Bill® Users

The Tennessee Choice Act passed in 2017 and a 2022 State Law, (PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 791 SENATE BILL NO. 2486), guarantees all military affiliated and GI Bill using students who attend schools within the state of Tennessee, in-state tuition rates. Eligibility under both classifications is listed below:

(GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.)

Eligibility for in-state tuition rates under the Tennessee Choice Act

The following “covered individuals” are eligible for in-state tuition rates and fees under the Choice Act:

  • A veteran who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
  • A spouse or child using transferred benefits who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.
  • A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state (regardless of formal in-state residence status) in which the higher education institution is located and enrolls within three years of the servicemember’s death in the line of duty following a period of active-duty service of 90 days or more.

PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 791 SENATE BILL NO. 2486

SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-1303, is amended by adding the following subdivision:

"Military-affiliated" means active-duty military personnel, reservists, members of the national guard, and reserve officer training corps program cadets. SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-7-1304, is amended by designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new subsection: (b) The board of regents, the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee, and each state university board of trustees may classify a veteran or military-affiliated individual as a Tennessee resident who is not required to pay out-of-state tuition or an out-of-state fee if the veteran or military-affiliated individual is: (1) Enrolled in the public institution of higher education; and (2) Resides outside the state of Tennessee. SECTION 3. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it.