GI Bill may be updated to help veterans meet rising college costs

Current funding levels don't always cover college tuition.

from the February 14, 2008 edition

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States step in to supplement veterans’ federal education funds

While momentum has been gaining to boost federal GI Bill education benefits, many states haven't wanted to wait that long.

About half the states, in fact, are finding ways to shoulder some of their veterans' educational expenses during a time of spiraling tuition fees.

Partial tuition assistance or tuition waivers for state community colleges and universities make up about half of the state programs (12 states). Fourteen states provide full-tuition scholarships or tuition and books. Not all states require veterans to have spent their GI funds before they are eligible for additional funds.

A sampling of state plans reveals the range of ways states are supporting residents who have served in the military:

Florida: National Guard members can receive full tuition reimbursement; veterans can defer tuition if their federal benefits are delayed.

Iowa: National Guard members can receive 100 percent tuition assistance for any state community college or university, or can choose to apply $6,000 a year toward four years at a private university. They are free to use their GI Bill funds for other educational expenses.

West Virginia: Veterans who have run out of GI Bill funds can receive tuition assistance while pursuing a new vocation.

New Mexico: Veterans of the Vietnam War who earned a campaign or service medal are eligible for full tuition and book expenses at a New Mexico post-secondary school, if they have been state residents for at least 10 years.

New York: Eligible veterans can receive up to $1,000 per semester for full-time study and up to $500 per semester for part-time enrollment in a postsecondary school.

Utah: Purple Heart veterans receive free in-state tuition.

• Sarah McCann and Stacy Teicher Khadaroo

Source: Military.com http://www.miltary.com/benefits/veteran-benefits/state-veterans-benefits-directory

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