Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025
Summary
The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025 aims to ensure that veterans using educational assistance under title 10 of the United States Code receive in-state tuition rates at public institutions of higher learning. The Act amends title 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disapprove courses at institutions that do not comply with this requirement. The changes will take effect for academic periods beginning on or after August 1, 2026.
Expected Effects
This Act will likely increase access to higher education for veterans in the Selected Reserves by making it more affordable. Public institutions will be required to offer in-state tuition rates to eligible veterans, potentially leading to higher enrollment rates among this group. This could also incentivize more individuals to join the Selected Reserves, knowing that they will have better access to affordable education.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to higher education for veterans.
- Reduced financial burden on veterans pursuing education.
- Potential increase in enrollment rates of veterans in public institutions.
- Incentive for individuals to join the Selected Reserves.
- Standardized tuition rates for veterans across public institutions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential financial strain on public institutions due to reduced tuition revenue from out-of-state veterans.
- Possible need for states to allocate additional funds to cover the difference in tuition revenue.
- Administrative burden for institutions to verify veteran eligibility.
- Potential for unintended consequences if institutions raise in-state tuition rates to offset losses from out-of-state tuition.
- Possible legal challenges from institutions arguing against federal overreach.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare, which includes supporting veterans' education. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power to raise and support armies, and this act can be seen as a way to support those who serve in the armed forces. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, and some might argue that tuition rates are a matter for state control.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).