Education, Higher - As enacted, requires each institution of higher education in this state to classify a student who is the spouse or dependent child of a service member as an in-state student for tuition purposes if certain criteria are met. - Amends TCA Title 49.

This law requires Tennessee colleges and universities to charge in-state tuition rates to spouses and dependent children of military service members, regardless of where the family actually lives. To qualify, the service member must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who has lived in Tennessee for at least one year before the student is accepted into school, and the student must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who enrolls and stays continuously enrolled. The change applies to the 2024-2025 academic year and all future years, ensuring that families of service members pay the same tuition as Tennessee residents.