Gov. Henry McMaster holds the Military Tuition Rates bill after signing it into law Nov. 30 at the University of South Carolina Aiken. | Gov. Henry McMaster/Twitter
Gov. Henry McMaster holds the Military Tuition Rates bill after signing it into law Nov. 30 at the University of South Carolina Aiken. | Gov. Henry McMaster/Twitter
All veterans and their dependents, regardless of when they left the service, will have in-state tuition assistance when enrolling at South Carolina's universities, colleges and technical colleges thanks to the recent passage and singing of legislation known as Military Tuition Rates.
Previously, veterans had to enroll within three years of leaving the service to receive immediate in-state tuition benefits.
Gov. Henry McMaster and Lt. Gov. Pamela S. Evette were joined by state Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary William Grimsley, along with members of the general assembly for a ceremonial bill signing of S. 241 on Nov. 30 at the University of South Carolina Aiken, according to a news release from the governor's office.
Grimsley said that the measure was done in an effort to pay back veterans, along with honoring them.
"We need to continue to do what South Carolina has done forever, don't pity our veterans but take pride in them,” he said. “This bill will contribute to South Carolina by allowing veterans to come to our public institutions to earn their degrees and then go back and make an impact in our communities."
The law allows veterans or their dependents utilizing the GI Bill education benefits in-state tuition at state institutions of higher learning regardless of when they left the service, according to the office release.
"South Carolina has a long history of being a military-friendly state that takes pride in its veterans," McMaster said. "This legislation is a way for South Carolina to honor and reward those who served while also attracting veterans with unique skills and experiences to our colleges, universities, and communities."
Before the measure was enacted veterans had to enroll in school within three years of leaving the military to receive immediate in-state tuition benefits.
Additionally, the veteran or their dependent must be a state resident while enrolled at college to receive in-state tuition rates.
"This bill is a win for veterans in South Carolina, it is a win for the military community in South Carolina, it is a priority of the military base task force, and it is another step forward as we continue to make South Carolina the most veteran-friendly state in the country," State Sen. Tom Young said.
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