New Military Residency for Non-Missouri Residents
Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act
In support of our veterans, Southeast Missouri State University implemented the Missouri Returning Heroes Education Act effective Fall 2008. This Act provides for discounted incidental fees (tuition) for eligible veterans attending a Missouri public post-secondary institution.
Eligibility
Veterans who meet the following criteria, and complete the Application for Reduced Incidental Fees, will be considered for the discounted incidental fee (tuition) rate established by the Act.
- Served in armed combat after September 11, 2011
- Were Missouri residents when first entering the military
- Were honorably discharged
- Are pursuing a certificate, associate or baccalaureate degree
Value
The Office of Student Financial Services will determine if you meet the criteria to be considered for discounted incidental fees (tuition) and the amount that your tuition will be reduced, if applicable. To see how Incidental fee reductions are calculated, please click here.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit a copy of your most recent DD-214 (long form) and the Missouri Returning Heroes Act Application for Reduced Incidental Fees to Student Financial Services, Memorial Hall Room 101.
Renewal
Continued eligibility will require that the veteran achieve a 2.5 cumulative GPA by the end of the first semester (and all subsequent periods) of eligibility* when the institution checks satisfactory progress in order to meet renewal criteria.
*Note: There should be no grade point requirement for a veteran the first time they receive the tuition reduction even if they have previously attended an institution of higher education.
Students who do neet meet renewal criteria may regain eligibility of the discounted incidental fee (tuition) rate once their cumulative GPA has increased to the minimum requirement (2.5), or better. A new Application for Reduced Incidental Fees must be submitted to Student Financial Services for reinstatement.
For more information, please visit the Department of Higher Education's website at: http://www.dhe.mo.gov/files/moretheroesact.pdf
Or contact the Missouri Veterans Commission for information on documentation relating to a veteran's military service at 1-866-VET-INFO (838-4636).
Tuition Assistance - Federal
Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) is provided for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a soldier’s professional and personal self-development goals. (www.goarmyed.com).
**ALERT: EFFECTIVE MARCH 8, 2013**
The Secretary of the Army has approved the suspension of Tuition Assistance effective March 8, 2013. Soldiers will no longer be permitted to submit new requests for Tuition Assistance. However, Soldiers currently enrolled in courses approved for Tuition Assistance are not affected, and will be allowed to complete current course enrollment(s).
This change in the Army Tuition Assistance program applies to all Soldiers, including the Army National Guard and Army Reserves. In the interim, Soldiers can continue to access their GI Bill benefits, if applicable, either the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) or the Post 9/11 GI Bill, or use other funding sources.
For updates or more information, visit www.goarmyed.com
Federal TA:
- Can be used to obtain a Certificate, License, Associates, Bachelors or Masters Degree
- Pays up to 100% of Incidental Fees up to a maximum of $250 per credit hour not to exceed $4500 per fiscal year for qualified applicants
- May pay for authorized fees such as : Lab, Web, and Course specific fees.
To apply for benefits or to get more information relating to Federal TA programs, please visit https://www.GoArmyEd.com
Tuition Assistance - State
State Tuition Assistance (TA) was established in 1998 by the Missouri House to give assistance for any Missouri in-state school.
State TA:
- May be used after all Federal TA assistance has been exhausted
- Pays up to 100% of Incidental Fees up to a maximum of $250 per credit hour not to exceed $4500 per fiscal year for qualified applicants
- May pay for authorized fees such as : Lab, Web, and Course specific fees.
To apply for benefits or to get more information relating to the State TA program, please visit http://www.moguard.com/moguard-education-assistance.html
VA Chapter Eligibility
Many students qualify for more than one benefit. You should research each benefit to determine which is best for you. Please see Determining Chapter Eligibility for other programs.
Vietnam Veteran Survivor Grant Program
Vietnam Veteran's Survivor Grants are available to children and spouses of Vietnam Veterans who death was attributed to, or caused by, exposure to toxic chemicals during the Vietnam conflict. To be eligible, you must be a Missouri resident enrolled full time. The maximum award is the full value of your incidental and general fees. A separate application from MDHE is required as well as qualifying medical certification from a Department of Veterans Affairs medical authority.
Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant Program
Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grants are available to children and spouses of Veterans whose deaths or injuries occurred since September 11, 2011 and:
- were a result of combat action, or
- were attributed to an illness that was contracted while serving in combat action, or
- resulted in 80% disability as a result of injuries or accidents sustained in combat action.
The veteran must have been a Missouri resident when first entering military services or at the time of death or injury. The Missouri Veteran's Commission determines whether the veteran meets the program's requirements.