Bethany offering break for vets

BETHANY - Bethany College will offer a tuition break for qualified veterans through the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, beginning with the 2009-10 academic year.

The partnership between Bethany and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will cover the cost of tuition and certain fees, creating a tuition-free degree program for eligible veterans, according to officials.

The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 pays an amount equal to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition and fees. Veterans enrolled in private institutions or graduate schools or those attending with out-of-state residency, however, sometimes face tuition and fee rates not fully funded under the plan, according to officials.

The program allows participating degree-granting institutions whose tuition and fees exceed the allotted amount to contribute a maximum of 50 percent of the excess cost. The Department of Veterans Affairs then matches that percentage, officials said.

As a voluntary participant in the program, Bethany will fund 50 percent of remaining qualified expenses, with 50 percent being matched by the VA for up to 10 veterans per academic year.

To qualify, one must have served at least 36 months of active duty after Sept. 10, 2001, and must be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent rate.

Eligible veterans interested in the program must meet the college's admission guidelines and will be provided the benefits on a first-come, first-served basis, officials said. Bethany will supply contributions each academic year in which accepted applicants are in good standing at the college and are making satisfactory progress toward their degree. Expenses such as books are covered under other benefits provided to veterans outside of the Yellow Ribbon program.

For information, contact Susan Doty at (304) 829-7834.