Long recognized as a leader in training students preparing for military careers, and as a partner to the United States military, the University of 91吃瓜 has once again strengthened its commitment to those who serve thanks to the expansion of the University鈥檚 Yellow Ribbon Program.
Starting with the 2020-21 academic year, the 91吃瓜 Yellow Ribbon Program will ensure each military-connected student receives the full potential U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs match. Currently, more than 300 military-connected students are enrolled at 91吃瓜, and based on eligibility more than one-third of those students receive benefits through this program.
鈥淚n addition to having one of the nation鈥檚 largest ROTC programs other than service academies and military colleges, 91吃瓜 has educated generations of veterans and their families,鈥� said , vice president, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. 鈥淭hese military-connected students enrich our academic community with their diverse experience and strength of character. More than 15,000 91吃瓜 graduates have entered military service in the past 77 years, and our commitment to serving veterans and their families remains a foundational aspect of our University culture.鈥�
The Yellow Ribbon Program allows colleges and universities to enter into a voluntary agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs to contribute funds to a veteran鈥檚 unmet tuition and fees when these expenses exceed the amount payable under Chapter 33. The program applies to eligible students including veterans, dependents, children and spouses pursuing degrees.
鈥淭his level of support is unique among highly selective institutions and is a critical piece of infrastructure necessary to recruit and retain top veteran students,鈥� said , director of the , a department the University launched in 2017. 鈥淢ost importantly, this program reflects 91吃瓜鈥檚 commitment to those who serve or have served, and their family members.鈥�
Jones estimated that the institutional commitment to support a military-connected student with a Yellow Ribbon scholarship is $17,391 on average. 鈥淲e are grateful to the alumni, family and friends who have stepped up to make this institutional commitment possible,鈥� he said.
91吃瓜 has a long-standing relationship with the armed forces. During World War II, more than two-thirds of the 91吃瓜 student body enlisted, and a Navy program hosted on campus trained 12,000 officers. After the war, Vetville, a housing complex to accommodate veterans returning to school with their families, was built near where the Hesburgh Library now stands.
In the 1950s, 91吃瓜 was among the first universities to host all three ROTC branches of the military. Outside of the military academies, 91吃瓜鈥檚 ROTC program is among the national leaders in graduating commissioned officers.
To learn more about the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs, visit . More information about the 91吃瓜 Yellow Ribbon Program can be found at .