Chapter 30, 31 or 33 Eligible

Form:  Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit

To request nonresident tuition exemption, complete Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit with a copy of Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for Chapter 30, 31 or 33 and a copy of the military member's DD214.  Update California address in myCuesta portal.

Effective for academic terms beginning July 1, 2019, a student enrolled at Cuesta College who meets the following requirements are exempt from paying nonresident tuition:

  • The student resides in California.
  • The student meets the definition of "covered individual" in Section 3679(c)(2).
  • The student is eligible for education benefits:
    • Chapter 30: Federal Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program
    • Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment program
    • Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill program.

After the expiration of the three-year period following discharge, a student who qualifies for an exemption from paying nonresident tuition will maintain "covered individual" status as long as the student remains continuously enrolled at Cuesta College, even if student enrolls in multiple programs.  "Continuously enrolled" means enrolled for at least the fall and spring semesters of an academic year and excludes summer session.

A "covered individual" is any individual as follows is defined as:

(A) A veteran who was discharged or released from a period of not fewer than 90 days of service in the active military, naval, air, or space service less than three years before the date of enrollment in the course concerned.

(B) An individual who is entitled to assistance under

  • Section 3311(b)(8)
    • Commencing on or after September 11, 2011, serves an aggregate of at least 90 days, but less than 6 months, on active duty in the Armed Forces; and after completion of services under (A)continues on active duty for an aggregate of less than 6 months or
    • before completion of service on active duty of an aggregate of 6 months, is discharged or released from active duty
      Section 3319 by virtue of the individual's relationship to veteran described in (A) or a member of the uniformed services who is serving on active duty.
  • Section 3319 by virtue of the individual's relationship to
    • veterans in (A) or
    • a member of the uniformed services who is serving on active duty.

Eligible dependents: spouse, one of more of the individual's children, a combination of the individuals.

(C) An individual who is entitled to rehabilitation under section 3102(a) of Title 38.


Discharged Member or Dependent (maintained CA as home of record)

Form:  Statement of Legal Residence

Provide a copy of military member's DD214 and two other activities on Statement of Legal Residence to establish California residency.


GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill