Hello everyone, my parents served in the military and I'm curious if colleges offer any kind of owner loyalty programs or discounts for military families? Appreciate any advice or insights!
Many universities and colleges are indeed committed to supporting military families and offer various benefits to these students. Although it may not be explicitly termed as "owner loyalty programs," these benefits provide financial aid and other resources to help military families.
A key federal benefit is the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can cover a significant portion or even all tuition fees at public universities for service members who served at least 90 aggregate days since Sept. 10, 2001, as well as the dependents of service members who have transferred their benefits. For private or out-of-state schools, the Yellow Ribbon Program can help cover the cost that exceeds the national funding cap of the GI Bill, with the school and Department of Veterans Affairs both contributing to cover additional costs.
In addition to these federal benefits, many schools have specific scholarships, fee waivers, and tuition discounts for veterans and their dependents. For example, Columbia University's School of General Studies offers the Military Veterans Initiative, which provides institutional aid to make Columbia tuition-free for veterans, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship for dependents of service members who died in the line of duty.
In terms of nonacademic resources, many schools also have Veterans Resource Centers that can provide additional support and information for military families, including help with transitions and networking opportunities.
Remember, you should always check with each individual colleges' financial aid office to understand what specific programs they offer for military service members and their families. You may also wish to speak with a school's office or department dedicated to veteran services, if one exists, for a comprehensive understanding of the available resources.
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