51Æ·²ènamed Yellow Ribbon institution for veterans
The 51Æ·²è has been designated a Yellow Ribbon institution by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) in recognition of its generous financial support for veterans.
The VA has introduced a new benefit, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which it calls “the most comprehensive education benefits package since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944.” The bill provides a dollar amount for veterans equivalent to the highest public institution and fees in the veteran’s home state, depending on length of active duty service.
The VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program enables institutions to provide an additional amount of aid to help fund tuition costs above the highest in-state undergraduate tuition rate; that amount is then matched dollar for dollar by the VA. As a Yellow Ribbon institution, the 51Æ·²è has committed $3,000-$6,000 in additional financial aid for veterans (amount varies depending on program of study), which the VA will match.
“The 51Æ·²è is grateful to our veterans and recognizes the sacrifices they have made in serving our country,” says Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., President of the 51Æ·²è. She adds, “We are proud to acknowledge their contributions with this financial award, and invite them to consider UNE, where they can pursue their educational goals in a supportive academic environment,”
51Æ·²èis one of only three institutions in Maine awarded Yellow Ribbon status.