<p>After separating from the military how does one establish residency for in-state tuition? Are you considered a resident of your home state where you lived before enlisting? Or the state where you were last stationed? Or can you choose any state you want, move there and get a driver's license, register to vote, etc? Do the rules vary by state?</p>
<p>The rules do vary by state. However, many states give in-state tuition to soldiers and their families in the state where they are stationed while they are active duty, so my guess would be that many are generous to those who are getting out as well. You might call the schools you are considering.</p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>Like MD Mom said, the rules depend on the state. As a military brat, I can say that for Virginia and Florida, for example, as long as you (or one of your parents, if a minor) file taxes in that state, I.E. are a registered citizen of it, you’re good. Michigan has another system, where you have to prove that your address of residence is in the state and that you own or lease a residence when applying. For me, being a minor, to continue receiving state rates, I would have to prove each year that my legal guardians were maintaining a residence in-state, but I don’t know the situation for adults. Additionally there is at least one other program for vets, the Yellow Ribbon program. Under the program, participating institutions, such as Dartmouth and UMass Amherst, for example, will charge vets and vet dependents a reduced rate, usually equal to the rate of the states most expensive private school, regardless of where you come from. This is particularly useful in conjunction with the GI Bill, because the GI Bill will generally cover the entire reduced amount, where, at least at Dartmouth, it wouldn’t even come close. Hope that helps!</p>