While all of the military education focus sits on the impending Aug. 1 deadline for implementing new GI Bill benefits, last week a change in troops' residency requirements could have just as far-reaching effects on military families.

As of July 1 any servicemember or dependent on active-duty anywhere in the U.S. for more than 30 days is eligible for in-state tuition at public universities. The change was part of the Higher Education Opportunity Act signed into law last summer. 

It's a change that could potentially save some families thousands in tuition and fees. At Penn State University, the difference between in-state and non-resident tuition last school year was almost $6,000. At University of Arizona, it was more than $10,000. 

Under the measure, anyone who is enrolled under the servicemember residency provisions is guaranteed the in-state tuition status as long as they stay in school, even if the family is reassigned to another state or overseas. Previously, troops had to meet a haphazard collection of state requirements for residency before being eligible for the in-state rates, and their children could end up with higher bills if their parent was moved.

Numerous states have already enacted the policy; Ohio officials last summer promised in-state rates for troops assigned there, nearly a full year ahead of the federal requirements.

But now every state will fall under the plan, just in time for those fall semester tuition bills already in the mail.