California Veteran Tuition Exemption

Covered individuals who are living in California while attending this institution, using their VA educational assistance under:

  • Veterans:
    • Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill®
    • Chapter 31 - VR&E (VA Veteran Readiness and Employment
    • Chapter 33 - Post-9/11 GI Bill®
  • Dependents:
    • Chapter 33 - Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) Post-9/11 GI Bill® 
    • Chapter 33 - Fry Scholarship for Surviving Spouses and Children
    • Chapter 35 - Survivors' & Dependents' Educational Assistance
    •  

Note:  Student must attach a copy of their current VA Education Benefits Certificate of Eligibility to the California Veteran Tuition Exemption form or provide a copy to College of the Desert's Veterans Resource Center.

Form:  California Veteran Tuition Exemption

Reference:  38 U.S. Code §3679 and CA ED Code §68075.7

 

Student must submit appropriate documentation verifying eligibility to College of the Desert's Admissions and Records Office.

  1. Discharged Members of the Armed Forces

    1. A student who was a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in California on active duty for more than one year prior to being discharged shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition for up to one year if she or she files an affidavit with the community college stating that he or she intends to establish residency in California as soon as possible.

    2. This one year exemption shall be used while the student lives in this state and within two years of being discharged.

    3. Student veteran must present a copy of their DD-214 page 4.
    4. A former member of the armed forces of the United States who received a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge is not eligible for this exemption.

  2. Military Personnel

    1. Students who are members of the armed forces of the United States domiciled or stationed in California on active duty are entitled to resident classification for purposes of determining the amount of tuition and fees for the duration of their attendance at a community college as long as they remain on active duty.

    2. Service in the California National Guard does not constitute being a member of the armed forces of the United States in the interpretation of EC 68074 and 68075.

  3. Dependents of Active Duty Military Personnel

    1. A student who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse of, and is a dependent of, a member of the armed forces of the United States domiciled or stationed in California on active duty is entitled to resident classification for the purposes of determining the amount of tuition and fees.

    2. Student must be a dependent for income tax purposes of that member of the armed forces.

    3. Student must present their military dependent ID with a copy of the service member's orders.