UT campuses across the state continue to earn recognition for their support of the military community. Three campuses — UT Knoxville, UT Martin and UT Chattanooga—have been named Military Friendly Gold Schools, the highest designation from Military Friendly.
Both UT Chattanooga and UT Martin also were recognized by the Military Times as “Best for Vets” schools. Additionally, UT Chattanooga earned a Military Friendly Spouse-Friendly School designation for its commitment to military families.
Two campuses, UT Martin and the UT Health Science Center in Memphis, hold the Tennessee Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Campus designation, which supports veterans in achieving their post-military education goals.
What is the legislation?
Tennessee Public Chapter 791, passed in April 2022, “authorizes the governing board of each public institution of higher education to classify a veteran or military-affiliated individual as a Tennessee resident for tuition purposes only if the veteran or military-affiliated individual is enrolled in the institution and resides outside of this state.”
Who is eligible?
For the purposes of this legislation, military-affiliated students who are eligible for this waiver/reclassification include veterans, active-duty military personnel, reservists, members of the National Guard, and Army and Air Force ROTC Cadets. Additionally, military-affiliated students in the following groups are eligible for this tuition benefit:
- Attending any UT System institution (UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Southern, UT Martin, UT Health Science Center)
- Enrolled part-time or full-time
- Pursuing an undergraduate, graduate or professional degree
- Enrolled in online, hybrid or in-person classes
- Out-of-state students residing in Tennessee or living outside of the state while enrolled
Does the legislation include dependents and spouses?
This legislation does not include dependents and spouses. Contact your campus financial aid office to learn more about opportunities available in Tennessee for these groups.
How do I receive the tuition waiver/reclassification?
If you are a new student entering in the fall and select certain categories in your application for admission, you will be coded as in-state.
What if I am a veteran who has not previously disclosed my status to the university, but would like to now?
Continuing students using VA education benefits should turn in a copy of their VA letter of eligibility to the Veterans Success Center. Students may also turn in a DD-214. Students who are not using VA education benefits should fill out the application.
