JCU is participating in the Yellow Ribbon program, which is designed to help military veterans afford higher education. The program was started by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs to help offset the high costs of private university education that were not fully covered by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Bill provides financial assistance to veterans serving after Sept. 11, 2001.
The amount of assistance provided, however, depends on time served, and the highest aid is based on the tuition of the most expensive state school within the particular veteran’s state. Veterans Affairs reached out to private universities to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program which says that Veterans Affairs will cover half of the tuition costs not covered by the G.I. Bill if private universities would match the Yellow Ribbon funding.
JCU calls its matching award the Patriot Award, which was given to qualifying veterans beginning this semester. Veterans who previously were unable to afford a private school’s tuition will now have the opportunity to attend such schools.
The Carroll News commends JCU for engaging in this program and matching the Yellow Ribbon funding. Supporting veteran soldiers is important especially when it comes to providing them with the opportunity to receive a well-respected education. This award exemplifies the school’s mission of “men and women for others” by helping those who have fought for our freedom.
