University of Maryland University College has reduced undergraduate tuition to $250 per credit for dependents of active-duty military servicemembers, as well as the spouses and dependents of reservists and National Guard members. The change goes into effect with the spring 2016 term.

These groups will now pay the same military tuition rate as active-duty military personnel and their spouses, and reservists and members of the National Guard. Under the previous rate structure, Maryland residents paid $279 per credit and non-Maryland residents paid $499 per credit.

"This is a significant step specifically designed to help military families during active duty and to help continue their education once they leave active duty," said UMUC President Javier Miyares. "This is a commitment that aligns with our long and proud history of educating our troops overseas and extends that service further to the families of those who return stateside as reservists or who join the National Guard."

More than half of UMUC's approximately 84,000 students are active-duty military personnel or their dependents, veterans, reservists, or National Guard members.

"The families of military personnel on active duty and those who transition from active duty and continue to serve our country in the Reserves or with the National Guard need a clearer path to completing their education," said Maj. Gen. Lloyd Miles (U.S. Army, Ret.), UMUC's senior vice president for Global Military and Veterans Operations. "By alleviating the financial burden, we hope to improve the ability for these dedicated people to earn a degree and achieve their career goals."

UMUC has been educating U.S. troops in Europe since 1949 and in Asia since 1956. The university launched its award-winning MBA program on military bases in Europe in 2013 and in Asia in 2015. The university's commitment to the U.S. military was validated once again when UMUC was named #1 "Best for Vets: Colleges" for 2015 by Military Times.