Congress intended for veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan era to go to college for free at the public school of their choice. And, for most, that’s the case.
But, on occasion, veterans end up living in a new state once their service has ended. Then, they find that the federal government’s reimbursement to colleges won’t fully cover the higher tuition rates that generally apply to students who come in from out of state.
“There are many veterans, through no fault of their own, who are forced to pay exorbitant tuition rates to schools simply because of the transit nature of their military service,” said Rep. Jeff Miller, the Republican chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.
About half the states already have waivers in place designed to attract veterans to attend their public universities. Lawmakers and veterans groups are pushing for a national approach.
Budget scorekeepers estimate the provision would affect about 3,800 veterans initially and save the federal government about $139 million over the next decade. The bill passed by a vote of 390-0.
Some have complained that Congress is putting in place another unfunded federal mandate. When the bill came up before a congressional subcommittee last year, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities said that establishing tuition policy is a clear state right.
