Eligible veterans can attend Vanderbilt University at a significantly reduced cost thanks to the school’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon GI Educational Enhancement Program.
Under the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, colleges and universities can work with the federal government to offer reduced tuition and fees to veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Specifically, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and a participating institution agree to match each other’s contributions if the tuition at that school exceeds the Post-9/11 GI Bill cap for the state. That figure would be the cost for the most expensive four-year public college or university for undergraduate tuition at the in-state rate.
“We are proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program,” Richard McCarty, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said. “As we work to provide the best possible learning environment for our students, we also appreciate that veterans bring leadership skills, maturity and a broad world perspective to the educational exchange in our classrooms.”
At Vanderbilt, eligible veterans who enroll either as undergraduates or graduate students (master’s and doctoral level) can receive a $6,000 tuition discount from the university that will be matched by another $6,000 from the Department of Veterans Affairs. A $10,000 discount from both Vanderbilt and the government will be available for veterans who enroll in the Owen Graduate School of Management.
Douglas Christiansen, associate provost for enrollment and dean of admissions, said that Vanderbilt made a commitment this year to provide these funds with no restriction on the number who can participate. “Our profound belief in the tremendous value that these students bring to campus led us to the decision not to limit the number of veterans who could use the discount,” he said. “The university will review this plan each year to be sure that there are adequate funds to continue the commitment.” He noted that all of Vanderbilt’s contribution will come from institutional funds.
To be eligible, veterans must have served three years on active duty or at least 30 continuous days before being discharged for service-related injuries since the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks.
More than 500 colleges and universities have reached agreements with the Department of Veteran Affairs to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
For more information about the program, click on http://www.gibill.va.gov.
Media Contact: Ann Marie Deer Owens, 615-322-NEWS
Annmarie.owens@vanderbilt.edu