As used in this article, the following words shall have the meanings as set forth by this section:
"Mississippi National Guard" means federally recognized units of the Mississippi National Guard.
"Gender" means words importing the masculine gender only shall apply to female as well as male.
"Active member" means a member of a federally recognized unit of the Mississippi National Guard meeting the minimum requirements for satisfactory membership as defined in the Department of the Army and Air Force Regulations.
"Tuition" means actual cost, including any fees and books, not to exceed the highest actual cost charged by any public, accredited institution of higher learning, vocational education school or community or junior college in Mississippi.