New Legislation Helps Veterans Attend College

GySgt George Vukovich — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:41:58 -0400

A recent article on Money.com, “Why Veterans Will Soon Save Thousands on College” (http://rly.pt/1sgxyF4), provides promising information for veterans and their family members as they transition from the military to civilian life, college, and beyond.

As a retired Marine and advocate for veterans achieving higher education success—I truly appreciate the congressional effort to enact new legislation to assist veterans by immediately classifying them with in-state residency standing for higher education tuition purposes. Most states historically maintained stringent standards of 12-month residency before service members become eligible for lower in-state tuition rates, which placed undue financial burdens on many veterans and their families. However, the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 changed that situation (http://rly.pt/_HR3230).

Starting in fall 2015, veterans and their family members will be able to automatically pay in-state tuition rates at any U.S. public university. That’s exciting and welcomed news. The new legislation is very promising, impactful, and worthy of continued discussion threads in order to help spread the word throughout the veteran community.

Coupled with the GI Bill, the in-state public tuition legislation will enable veterans to attend school without facing huge out-of-pocket payments through student loan repayment. There may be cases where some costs are not covered—such as enrollment in nursing or engineering programs—but additional funding may not be required for the vast majority of veteran students.

This is another welcomed benefit for veterans to help them meet their educational goals and prepare for their careers. And they have the option to go to an in-state college or complete their education at a quality online institution—giving them a wide variety of flexible options no matter where they're located.

The mobility factor of online education is growing in popularity, especially for working adults with limited time. The convenience, flexibility, and quality of instruction often present the ideal option for veterans balancing career goals, raising families, and wishing to connect online with other likeminded professionals and service members.

For a better understanding of how valuable this new legislation will be for veterans, review the CollegeBoard’s Trends in College Pricing report (http://rly.pt/CollegePricing) which breaks down the average in-state and out-of-state rates, or this helpful comparison chart posted by The Pew Charitable Trusts: http://rly.pt/Tuition_Fees

Thankfully, our elected representatives have made veterans initiatives a focal point in recent years. Let’s all do our part to help circulate this information to help our veterans find greater success in life!

*George M. Vukovich is a retired Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeant and proud father of two college graduates. For 12 years he has willfully served American Military University (http://rly.pt/AMU_APUS) and the thousands of military and veteran students who are investing time and effort toward their degree. George is also a former President of the Virginia Advisory Council for Military Education (VA-ACME) and served the Board of the Council of College and Military Educators (CCME)*

Why Veterans Will Soon Save Thousands on College

Congress has approved a bill that grants veterans and their families automatic in-state status at all public colleges, potentially saving them time and money.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Sep 16 at 2014 12:55 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 12:55:29 -0400

It would not have been possible for me to finish my Masters on active duty without an online program. Many thanks to Cindy Smith for her guidance along my path of seeking a higher degree. I applaud this in-state tuition legislation and any school that brings specialized programs to active service members and veterans looking to advance their career. We all know how hard it is to balance work, family, and education while on active duty.

GySgt George Vukovich Really appreciate this piece you wrote for us. What are some of the most popular programs you see military members taking advantage of at AMU?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 16 at 2014 2:27 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:27:21 -0400

Thanks for sharing this good news for veterans, GySgt George Vukovich. I'm sharing it to my FB profile.

Response by SFC Boots Attaway made Sep 16 at 2014 5:40 PM

SFC Boots Attaway — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:40:29 -0400

I am glad to hear that someone in DC has got it right on active duty people and vets. This will help a lot of people advance their careers.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Sep 16 at 2014 6:16 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 18:16:43 -0400

Thanks for posting about this, GySgt George Vukovich -- I've seen junior enlisted personnel achieve great things through flexible online education programs, due to those individuals having limited time and unpredictable military schedules.

Response by Lt Col Chris Reynolds made Sep 17 at 2014 1:13 PM

Lt Col Chris Reynolds — Wed, 17 Sep 2014 13:13:40 -0400

Outstanding article, George! We can never focus too much on our Veterans and the resources that are available to help them and their families! Higher education is something that no one can take away once earned. With the flexible options that you noted, our Active, Guard, and Reserve members now have many more options available to them to achieve their educational dreams and goals.

Response by CPO William Keyes made Sep 24 at 2014 2:54 PM

CPO William Keyes — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:54:36 -0400

Certainly, this is a long time coming. This legislation will assist GI Bill users with making informed decisions about their educational goals while lightening the burden of out-of-pocket cost. Let's get the word out there Chiefs!

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Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 24 at 2014 3:05 PM

SSG John Erny — Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:05:38 -0400

This is something any Vet deserves, After WWII Many attended College which in turn made the 50's and 60's one of the best times in America for Manufacturing and Production. All of the great products were Made in the U.S.A.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Sep 27 at 2014 3:55 AM

SFC Mark Merino — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 03:55:34 -0400

I'ts good to know that Congress can still get it right........ from time to time.

Response by Sgt Packy Flickinger made Sep 27 at 2014 4:45 AM

Sgt Packy Flickinger — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 04:45:07 -0400

Illegals get free, or greatly discounted tuition, why not veterans!

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Sep 27 at 2014 7:48 AM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:48:52 -0400

That is Out-Fricking-Standing. As a divorced dad, who has transferred his benefits to his daughter, this gives her the ability to go anywhere she wants!

It will also help me out.

This is something that will benefit thousands of Vets. Finally, I can say that the Politicians are getting something right.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 27 at 2014 9:29 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 09:29:03 -0400

This is awesome! I will have to share this with my CCAF Peer Mentors for the base.
Thanks for sharing GySgt.

Response by SSG Robert Poorman made Sep 27 at 2014 10:12 PM

SSG Robert Poorman — Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:12:02 -0400

About time that Veterans get the same benefits that Illegals already enjoy.

Response by SGT Chris Quesenberry made Sep 29 at 2014 6:05 PM

SGT Chris Quesenberry — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:05:51 -0400

I remember Chapter 33(Post 9/11 GI Bill). It was what I used to go to college. Took me exactly three years to obtain my bachelors degree. The job market is recovering, but I still am not working in the field I obtained my degree in. Still searching in the meantime.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 4:59 AM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 04:59:59 -0500

Awesome move in the right direction!