IC 21-14-4
Chapter 4. Tuition and Fee Exemption for Children of Veterans
IC 21-14-4-1
Applicability
Sec. 1. This chapter applies to the following persons:
(1) A person who:
(A) is a pupil at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home;
(B) was admitted to the Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's
Home because the person was related to a member of the
armed forces of the United States;
(C) is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate at the state
educational institution the person will attend as determined
by the institution; and
(D) possesses the requisite academic qualifications.
(2) A person:
(A) whose mother or father:
(i) served in the armed forces of the United States;
(ii) received the Purple Heart decoration or was wounded
as a result of enemy action; and
(iii) received a discharge or separation from the armed
forces other than a dishonorable discharge;
(B) who is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate at the state
educational institution the person will attend as determined
by the institution; and
(C) who possesses the requisite academic qualifications.
(3) A person:
(A) whose mother or father:
(i) served in the armed forces of the United States during
a war or performed duty equally hazardous that was
recognized by the award of a service or campaign medal of
the United States;
(ii) suffered a service connected death or disability as
determined by the United States Department of Veterans
Affairs; and
(iii) received any discharge or separation from the armed
forces other than a dishonorable discharge;
(B) who is eligible to pay the resident tuition rate at the state
educational institution the person will attend, as determined
by the institution; and
(C) who possesses the requisite academic qualifications.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.
IC 21-14-4-2
Eligibility
Sec. 2. (a) Subject to subsection (b), an eligible applicant is
entitled to enter, remain, and receive instruction in a state
educational institution upon the same conditions, qualifications, and
regulations prescribed for other applicants for admission to or
scholars in the state educational institutions, without the payment of
any educational costs for one hundred twenty-four (124) semester
credit hours in the state educational institution.
(b) The maximum amount that an eligible applicant is exempt
from paying for a semester hour is an amount equal to the cost of an
undergraduate semester credit hour at the state educational institution
in which the eligible applicant enrolls.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255. Amended by P.L.141-2008,
SEC.2.
IC 21-14-4-3
Purpose
Sec. 3. For purposes of this chapter, the commission for higher
education shall define mandatory fees that qualify as educational
costs in consultation with the commission.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.
IC 21-14-4-4
Payment of incidental expenses
Sec. 4. If an eligible applicant:
(1) is permitted to matriculate in the state educational
institution;
(2) qualifies under this chapter; and
(3) has earned or has been awarded a cash scholarship that is
paid or payable to a state educational institution, from any
source;
the amount paid shall be applied to the credit of the eligible applicant
in the payment of incidental expenses of the eligible applicant's
attendance at the state educational institution. The balance, if the
terms of the scholarship permit, must be returned to the eligible
applicant.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.
IC 21-14-4-5
Determination of eligibility
Sec. 5. Determination of eligibility for higher education benefits
authorized under this chapter is vested exclusively in the Indiana
department of veterans' affairs. Any applicant for benefits under this
chapter may make a written request for a determination of eligibility
by the Indiana department of veterans' affairs. The director or deputy
director of the Indiana department of veterans' affairs shall make a
written determination of eligibility in response to each request. In
determining the amount of an applicant's benefit, the commission
shall consider other higher education financial assistance in
conformity with this chapter.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.
IC 21-14-4-6
Appeals
Sec. 6. An appeal from an adverse determination under section 5
of this chapter must be made in writing to the veterans' affairs
commission not more than fifteen (15) working days following the
applicant's receipt of the determination. A final order must be made
by a simple majority of the veterans' affairs commission not more
than fifteen (15) days following receipt of the written appeal.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.
IC 21-14-4-7
Violation
Sec. 7. A person who knowingly or intentionally submits a false
or misleading application or other document under this chapter
commits a Class A misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.
IC 21-14-4-8
Amount of benefits
Sec. 8. The amount of the benefits under this chapter is equal to
one (1) of the following amounts:
(1) If the applicant does not receive financial assistance
specifically designated for educational costs, the amount
determined under sections 2 through 6 of this chapter.
(2) If the applicant receives financial assistance specifically
designated for educational costs:
(A) the amount determined under sections 2 through 6 of this
chapter; minus
(B) the financial assistance specifically designated for
educational costs.
As added by P.L.2-2007, SEC.255.