Students who are absent from a state college or university during any school term or portion of a school term in excess of thirty (30) days due to active military service shall be entitled to receive a tuition credit in the form of credit hours for each credit hour paid by or on behalf of the student from the college or university previously attended or a refund for any payments made. Credit shall be given only if the reserve or national guard student did not receive a final grade in the class or course for which tuition credit is sought.