Gov. Henry McMaster was at the University of South Carolina-Aiken on Nov. 30 for a ceremonial bill signing designed to help veterans pay for university and technical college.
Senate bill 241, known as “Military Tuition Rates,” will make it easier for veterans and their dependents to get in-state tuition using GI Bill education benefits.
“South Carolina has a long history of being a military-friendly state that takes pride in its veterans,” said McMaster. “This legislation is a way for South Carolina to honor and reward those who served while also attracting veterans with unique skills and experiences to our colleges, universities and communities.”
The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Tom Young (R-Aiken).
“The Veterans tuition legislation will allow all veterans regardless of residency status, to attend college in our state and in state tuition rates,” he said. “The change that goes into effect with this legislation is that there is no longer a requirement that they do so within three years of discharge.”
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USC-A has long been recognized as a “military friendly” university, including being named a best college for military students by U.S. News and World Report. Military Times magazine ranked the school #52 on its list of best for veterans.
“Ultimately, it’s the human capital and as we continue to build the human capital, the people of South Carolina, the citizens, it’s all about taking care of them, their families,” said South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Wilbur Grimsley. “This bill will contribute to South Carolina by allowing veterans to come to our public-institutions to earn their degrees and then go back and make an impact in our communities.”
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McMaster said the growing influence of the cybersecurity programs in Augusta and Aiken can lead veterans who attend South Carolina schools to chose to stay in the Palmetto State.
“We’re in a knowledge economy, we are in a dangerous world situation and the Cyber Command is something that has been built upon by schools, universities, USC in particular,” said the governor. “All these things are happening in leadership and South Carolina is quite aware of that. We are plan ahead and we will be ready to take advantage of all of that.”
The option is available to veterans and families everywhere, but to receive in-state tuition rates, the veteran or their dependent must be a South Carolina resident while enrolled at the in-state institution.
The legislation went into effect on May 6, 2021.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
