ELCA News Blog
July 17, 2009  

ELCA colleges, universities join Yellow Ribbon program

by Frank Imhoff, ELCA News Service

The 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are taking part in a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to help military veterans pay tuition. Under the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program degree-granting institutions in the United States can agree to cover "tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate," according to the Veterans Affairs Web site. Schools can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and Veterans Affairs will match the school's contribution. Benefits are payable for training pursued on or after Aug. 1, 2009.

A news release from Augustana College, Sioux Falls, S.D., said the school "has agreed to admit 15 students under the Yellow Ribbon Program and will contribute $9,000 per student/per year. Admitted students will have access to all programs and courses."

A news release from Wartburg College, Waverly, Iowa, said the school will pay up to 50 percent of tuition. "The GI Bill also provides veterans with a housing allowance (based on location) and an annual allowance of up to $1,000 for books and supplies. In addition, veterans also qualify for fixed-rate federal loans to cover other expenses."