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Wingate University announced this week that it will participate in a program to make college more affordable for veterans. Wingate will begin the Yellow Ribbon Program, a dollar-for-dollar federal matching program included in the latest GI Bill, on Aug. 1.
Under the program, the federal government will match financial aid that participating colleges provide to veterans. Wingate plans to provide $7,811 a year in tuition and fees to undergraduates. The government will match up to that amount. In addition to the tuition and fees, recipients will receive $1,000 a year for books and $1,300 a month for housing.
Tuition and fees for undergraduates at Wingate generally run about $20,000 per year. Other area schools that are participating in the program include UNC-Charlotte, Charlotte School of Law, Davidson College, Johnson and Wales University and Lenoir-Rhyne University. Each school determines the amount it will contribute and to which programs of study.
Eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program is determined by service. To qualify, candidates must have served on active duty in U.S. military after Sept. 10, 2001 for three years or for 30 continuous days before being discharged for service related injuries. Benefits may also be available to widows and dependents. Visit www.gibill.va.gov for a complete list of participating schools and more information about requirements. For additional information about Wingate University's participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, contact Mona Burns at 704-233-8005.
“We think this is a great opportunity for our returning veterans to continue their education and we anticipate that a few will take advantage of the program,” said Jennifer Gaskins, Wingate University's director of marketing and communications.
In addition to the Yellow Ribbon Program, Wingate offers other incentives to veterans, Gaskins said. For more information visit www.wingate.edu. --Esther Robards-Forbes
