Upper Iowa University to help military students affected by loss of tuition assistance due to sequester
FAYETTE, Iowa (March 15, 2013) – Upper Iowa University will continue to help members of the military service who have lost funding from the Tuition Assistance (TA) programs as a result of the federal government's sequester. While the TA suspension is in effect, UIU will defer tuition payments for eligible students who would normally be authorized for tuition assistance and will help these students find alternative funding sources.
"Our military students are a very important segment of our student body, and we will do everything we can to assist them in continuing their postsecondary education," said Wayne Converse, UIU's Director of Military Affairs. "Our advisors will work closely with military students in determining alternative funding sources and what will work best for them."
During the current academic year, UIU had 1,531 students enrolled who are active or veteran members of the military service or their spouses and family members. Of those, 381 receive military tuition assistance. These students are enrolled University-wide on campus or through 19 educational centers, five of which are located on military bases, as well as in online and independent study programs.
The Air Force, Army, Coast Guard and Marines have all suspended tuition assistance, while the Navy is still reviewing its options, according to the Defense Department. The popularity of the program can be seen by looking at just one branch of the service. In fiscal year 2012, 201,000 soldiers took advantage of the Army's TA program. It provided $373 million, helping 2,831 soldiers earn associate degrees, 4,495 earn bachelor degrees and 1,946 earn graduate degrees, according to goarmyed.com.
UIU will continue to honor the $250 per credit hour cap for students who would use military TA if available. Additionally, during the suspension period, military students may defer their UIU tuition payments for up to 10 weeks from the start date of any UIU term, provided:
The student is eligible for military tuition assistanceThe student has a current FAFSA on fileThe student has a certificate of eligibility from the VA if they are planning on using VA benefits
Students will be required to sign a promissory note or develop a payment plan that will come due two weeks following the end of each term. UIU offers courses in six, eight-week terms a year.
"Upper Iowa values our military students and honors their service to our country," said Acting President Dr. Richard Patrick. "We will assist these students any way we can to help them reach their educational goals, especially now during this time of tuition assistance suspension."
Military students can continue to access their GI Bill benefits, if applicable, either the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) or the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Students may also use other funding sources (i.e. grants, scholarships, or Army National Guard Soldiers using state Tuition Assistance where available).
Military students that need assistance in applying for their GI Bill educational benefits should contact their education services office or may visit http://gibill.va.gov/ to determine their eligibility. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be completed online at http://www.fafsa.gov/. For assistance in filling out the FAFSA, students may work with their academic advisor or with the UIU financial aid office at www.uiu.edu/admissions/financialaid/index.html or by email at financialaid@uiu.edu.
Upper Iowa University has been recognized by Military Advanced Education and G.I. Jobs as one of the top "Military-Friendly Schools" for the past five years.
About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to some 6,200 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.