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Military Benefits/GI Bill/ROTC/Veterans


Coming Home From War to Hit the Books

New York Times
March 1, 2012

The war in Iraq is over, and approximately 22,000 troops are scheduled to return home from Afghanistan by the fall. Leon Panetta, the defense secretary, is calling for a "smaller, leaner" military, so colleges and universities are welcoming - or in some cases ignoring - an invasion of students taking advantage of the modern heir to the G.I. Bill. Asked whether the 6,700 colleges and universities approved as eligible to educate veterans on the G.I. Bill were doing enough to support former troops, Rodrigo Garcia, national chairman of the Student Veterans of America, gave them "an overall C+."

Business Boot Camp Gives Veterans A New Start

NPR - All Things Considered
February 28, 2012

The pullout of American troops in Iraq and those returning from Afghanistan have brought many service members back to their families and into the civilian job market.While there is a new law that offers incentives to employers who hire them, many veterans across the country are trying to start their own businesses. A rigorous, free program started at Syracuse University is giving them the tools to be their own boss.

Senate Committee's Report Focuses on For-Profit Colleges' Share of Military Education Benefits

Chronicle of Higher Education
February 23, 2012

Although for-profit colleges received more than half of the $563-million in Department of Defense tuition assistance paid to active-duty service members in FY 2011, "it is unclear whether the revenues translate into meaningful educational benefits for military students," says a report released Thursday by the education committee of the U.S. Senate. The report takes particular aim at for-profits that promote themselves as "military friendly" but put relatively large proportions of their revenue toward marketing, student recruiting, and their own profits, and relatively small proportions toward instruction.

For-Profit Colleges Face Curbs on U.S. Aid in New Veterans Bill

Bloomberg News
January 22, 2012

Proposed legislation, to be introduced tomorrow by Senate Democratic leaders, would require for-profit colleges to get no more than 85 percent of their revenue from federal programs, according to a summary from the office of Illinois Senator Richard Durbin, a co-sponsor. Colleges now can receive as much as 90 percent. They would lose federal funding for exceeding the cap for one year, instead of the current three. Colleges solicit the military because their government tuition programs are excluded from the cap on federal money, said Senate education committee Chairman Tom Harkin, the other sponsor.

Veterans Only

Inside Higher Ed
January 4, 2012

Classes designed exclusively for veterans have reached many campuses since they first emerged a few years ago. But while some colleges are still jumping on board with the idea, others have had varying levels of success - and a few of the programs haven't survived. Given the issues, some of the key stakeholders, even those who have taken all- and majority-veteran classes, question whether veterans-only courses are the best way to use these programs' already limited resources.

Colleges owe much to veterans

Philadelphia Inquirer - Opinion Piece
January 4, 2012

Catharine Hill, president, Vassar College, writes:  As the U.S. military presence in Iraq draws to a close, it's time for colleges and universities to increase their commitment to veterans who want more education. Selective private colleges in particular must step up and do our part. With more than two million veterans currently eligible for GI Bill tuition benefits, and even more expected to be added to this number over the coming years, there must be plenty of veterans for whom our institutions would indeed be a good option.

Returning Troops Head To Ivy Leagues Despite Cuts To GI Bill

Huffington Post
December 21, 2011

Though recent cuts to the GI Bill have limited their academic options, returning troops are finding ways to offset the exorbitant costs of an Ivy League education. Up until January, the revamped GI Bill paid for the full tuition at public two- and four-year schools for those who had served for a minimum of three years since Sept. 11, 2001. But recent cuts to that program capped tuition at $17,500, threatening to take away the opportunity to study in the hallowed halls of prestigious institutions, like Columbia University.

Deadline for Colleges to Sign New Agreement on Military Tuition Assistance Is Extended

Chronicle of Higher Education
December 20, 2011

Bowing to pressure from members of Congress and colleges, the Defense Department has agreed to postpone its January 1 deadline for institutions to sign a controversial new memorandum of understanding in order to remain eligible to receive military tuition assistance. The 90-day extension gives colleges and the department more time to negotiate changes in the document, which the department has said is intended to improve educational outcomes for service members and better safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Veterans find a place in the Ivy League

CBS News
December 20, 2011

Tens of thousands of American troops are coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan, and finding out just how tough it is to get a job right now. So, thanks to the GI Bill, many are going to school instead -- and not just any school -- the Ivy League sometimes comes calling, recruiting veterans. "Early Show" contributor Taryn Winter Brill recently met a group of Marines who are now part of the Ivy League at Columbia University in New York City.

Department of Defense Delays MOU Deadline to March 30

NAICU Washington Update
December 16, 2011

The Department of Defense has announced a delay until March 30, 2012, for implementation of new requirements for participation in its Tuition Assistance program, originally set to become effective January 1.  Many institutions have been reluctant to sign the new agreement, given that some of its terms are inconsistent with their academic practices - particularly regarding decisions on the award of academic credit. The delay provides an opportunity to consider ways to resolve these concerns.

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