California law provides several residency classifications and nonresident tuition exemptions for military-affiliated students.
If you are an active-duty service member, veteran, member of the National Guard, military spouse, or dependent, you may qualify for resident tuition or an exemption from nonresident tuition.
Use the information below to determine whether one of these benefits may apply to you.
What You Need to Know
- Active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Members of the reserve components
- Members of the California National Guard
- Members of the California State Military Reserve
- Members of the California Naval Militia
- Veterans
- Eligible spouses
- Eligible dependents
Eligibility is determined under California law and federal regulations and varies based on your military status. Supporting documentation is required.
Military Residency Resources
I'm an active-duty service member.
Active-duty military members who are domiciled or stationed in California generally qualify for resident tuition. If you are transferred outside California on military orders, you may retain your resident classification as long as you remain continuously enrolled at Barstow Community College.
I'm the spouse or dependent of an active-duty service member.
Eligible spouses and dependents of active-duty service members who are domiciled or stationed in California may qualify for resident tuition. In many cases, eligibility continues if the service member is transferred or retires while the student remains continuously enrolled.
I'm a Veteran.
Veterans may qualify for resident tuition or a nonresident tuition exemption under California law or the federal Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACA). Eligibility depends on your military service, discharge status, VA education benefits, and other applicable requirements.
If you plan to use VA education benefits or have questions about your eligibility under VACA, please contact the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) for assistance.
Military Residency Affidavit
Students requesting military residency benefits should complete the Military Affidavit and submit any required supporting documentation to Admissions & Records.
Supporting Documentation
Depending on your situation, Admissions & Records may request documentation such as military orders, military identification, DD-214, VA Certificate of Eligibility, proof of dependent status, or other documentation needed to verify eligibility.
Admissions & Records will review your documentation and notify you if additional information is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm stationed at Fort Irwin. Do I qualify?
Most active-duty service members stationed in California qualify for resident tuition. Submit the Military Affidavit and any required documentation so Admissions & Records can determine your eligibility.
I'm a military spouse. Can I qualify?
Many spouses of active-duty service members stationed or domiciled in California qualify for resident tuition. Eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.
I'm the dependent of a service member. Can I qualify?
Eligible dependents may qualify for resident tuition. Benefits often continue if the service member is transferred or retires while the student remains continuously enrolled.
I'm using VA education benefits. Who should I contact?
If you have questions about VA education benefits, certification, or your eligibility under the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act (VACA), please contact the Veterans Resource Center (VRC). The VRC can help determine which benefits may apply to your situation and guide you through the certification process.
Need Additional Assistance?
If you have questions about military residency benefits, required documentation, or your eligibility, Admissions & Records is here to help.
