So I originally posted this as a reply in a different thread, here: Penn State Thread
That thread was specific to Penn State but linked to the Pennsylvania legislation that @LostInSpace5 provided above. In addition, that thread linked to a benefits page on the Penn State website that provided instructions on how applicants could determine their eligibility for in-state tuition, including the documentation that would be necessary.
The Pitt website is not laid out as nice. I ended up emailing them to request clarity on the topic. They got back to me quickly, but the answer was… not what I was expecting. Here is their response to me, in full (emphasis mine):
Thank you for reaching out regarding this. We are aware of how other universities in Pennsylvania have interpreted this legislation, but based on the language of this document (attached), public universities in Pennsylvania will provide tuition at the in-state rates if the student is eligible for any of the following VA education benefits, which I have copied and pasted from the document:
“(a.4) Eligibility.–A veteran and his spouse and dependent children or any other individual shall be charged a resident tuition rate or local sponsor rate as provided for under this act if the individual is eligible to receive benefits under any of the following:
(1) 10 U.S.C. Chs. 1606 (relating to educational assistance for members of the selected reserve) and 1607 (relating to educational assistance for reserve component members supporting contingency operations and certain other operations).
(2) 38 U.S.C. Ch. 30 (relating to all-volunteer force educational assistance program).
(3) 38 U.S.C. Ch. 31 (relating to training and rehabilitation for veterans with service-connected disabilities).
(4) 38 U.S.C. Ch. 33 (relating to post-9/11 educational assistance).
(a.5) Additional eligibility.–A child, a spouse or a surviving spouse who is eligible to receive benefits under 38 U.S.C. Ch. 35 (relating to survivors’ and dependents’ educational assistance) shall also be charged a resident tuition rate or local sponsor rate under the appropriate terms and conditions of subsection (a.1), (a.2) or (a.3).”
In accordance with this legislation, the University of Pittsburgh will provide resident tuition if the student is eligible for any of those benefits. Please let us know if you have any additional questions regarding this.
So clear as mud, right? How helpful. My interpretation: Pitt will provide in-state rates to military dependents that qualify for passed-down GI Bill benefits only. It seems that Penn State has a more generous interpretation of this legislation than Pitt…