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 Rensselaer has joined a national effort to make new resources available to military veterans and their dependents to attend college. Last June, Congress passed the Post 9/11 GI Bill designed to help participants pay for private colleges, state public institutions, and graduate programs. At Rensselaer, qualified applicants will be able to attend the university at little or no cost. Under the new GI Bill, service members who have served three years on active duty since September 11, 2001, can receive benefits to cover the costs of a four-year education up to the level of the most expensive in-state public institution, along with a stipend for housing, books, and expenses. Also, to help cover any remaining tuition or fee charges, under the Yellow Ribbon Program, a provision of the new GI Bill, qualified applicants will be able to receive an additional designated scholarship from participating colleges and universities that will be matched by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Under the old GI Bill, veterans’ education benefits covered only about 60 percent of the cost of a public school education. Other qualified applicants for the program may include: officers who were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability who have also served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001, and veterans’ dependents. According to the Department of Defense, career service members on active duty or in the selected reserve may be entitled to transfer all or a portion of their education entitlement to one or more family members. To be eligible, service members must have served in the Armed Forces for at least six years, and agree to serve four additional years. Rensselaer plans to offer annual scholarships up to $15,000 to qualified admitted individuals, and the match from the Department of Veterans Affairs will add an additional $15,000, if applicable. With the combined total benefit, admitted veterans and eligible dependents under this program will have their tuition and fees fully covered while attending Rensselaer. They also will be eligible to receive additional benefits from the government to offset housing, meals, and other expenses. The Institute plans to sponsor up to 20 students annually for this program. This fall, 20 students will be receiving benefits through this program. “Rensselaer is committed to providing outstanding educational opportunities for veterans and their dependents. As a university with a strong history of collaboration with, and support of, the U.S. military, the Institute recognizes the sacrifice that veterans and their family members make.” “Serving our country in the war in Iraq or Afghanistan is an act of unselfish giving that exemplifies loyalty, patriotism, and honor,” said President Shirley Ann Jackson. “Rensselaer is committed to providing outstanding educational opportunities for veterans and their dependents. As a university with a strong history of collaboration with, and support of, the U.S. military, the Institute recognizes the sacrifice that veterans and their family members make. We are very happy to invest in their future success and encourage them to join the long and distinguished list of leaders who have graduated from the Institute.” |
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Send comments to:
Inside Rensselaer, Strategic Communications and External Relations 1000 Troy Building, 110 Eighth Street, Troy, N.Y. 12180 or to leibat@rpi.edu. |
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