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Oklahoma
State Senate
Communications Division
State Capitol
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105
For Immediate Release: February 17, 2011
Sen. Steve Russell
Armed Services Tuition Fairness Act approved in
Senate committees
A measure to make college degrees more affordable for those serving
in Oklahoma’s National Guard or Oklahoma Reserves was approved
in two Senate committees Wednesday. Senate Bill 251, by Sen. Steve
Russell, creating the “Armed Services Tuition Fairness
Act” was first heard in the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs
Committee before moving on to the Appropriations Subcommittee on
Public Safety.
“I recently discovered that we have many soldiers who live
in surrounding states, but who are serving in our state National
Guard and reserves. These men and women are also getting their college
degrees in our state, but are being charged out-of-state tuition,”
explained Russell, R-Oklahoma City. “My bill will simply provide
these military personnel with the same educational benefits that
full-time, active members receive. Allowing them to be able to pay
the lower in-state tuition is a great way for our state to show
our soldiers that we support and appreciate their service and sacrifice.”
Currently, full-time, active members of the U.S. Armed Forces, regardless
of their resident status, who are stationed in Oklahoma are provided
with an in-state tuition waiver. SB 251 would extend that courtesy
to out-of-state residents who serve in the Oklahoma National Guard
or Reserves and are obtaining their college degree in Oklahoma.
Russell pointed out that nonresident tuition per credit hour at
Oklahoma’s colleges and universities can be anywhere from
three to four times that of resident tuition. On average, in-state
tuition is around $135 per credit hour while out-of-state tuition
is around $390 per hour.
“Over a four year period, this bill could help these veterans
save over $30,000 in tuition costs,” said Russell. “That’s
money that they can use to help support themselves and their families.
I’m not asking for a free ride for these men and women, but
I think if they’re going to serve our state we should honor
their service and treat them as Oklahomans.”
SB 251 will now go before the full Appropriations Committee.
For more information contact:
Sen. Russell: (405) 521-5618
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