Eligible Veterans or National Guard Members

Community and technical colleges may waive all or a portion of tuition and fees for eligible veterans or National Guard members.

An eligible veteran or National Guard member is defined in RCW 28B.15.621(8)(b) as one who is:

• A Washington domiciliary
• Active or reserve member of military or naval forces, or a National Guard member called to active duty.
• Served in active federal duty under either Title 10 or Title 32 of the U.S. Code, in a war or conflict fought on foreign soil or in international waters, or served in support of those that were (serving on foreign soil or in international waters)
• If discharged from service, has a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005.

Tuition is defined in RCW 28B.15.020 as fees charged students registering at the state’s colleges and universities which consists of:

(1) The "building fees" as defined in RCW 28B.15.025; and

(2) The "operating fees" as defined in RCW 28B.15.031.

RCW 28B.15.621(9) defines "fees" for purposes of subsection (4) as all assessments required for a student's full participation in coursework and related activities at an institution of higher education. Because the phrase "tuition and fees" is used consistently throughout RCW 28B.15.621, SBCTC interprets this definition to apply throughout the section unless a different meaning is expressly provided by statute. This interpretation promotes consistent administration of waiver provisions.

This waiver does not apply to fees established under RCW 28B.15.610. Those are student-approved fees maintained by students for student purposes and are expressly excluded from the provisions of chapter 28B.15 RCW.

RCW 28B.15.621(2) – Tuition waivers – veterans and national guard members – dependents – private institutions.