SOU offers tuition break for veterans

Text Size: A | A | A

Print this Article Email this Article

Southern Oregon University has introduced a program designed to draw in veterans and help them make the most of their Veterans Affairs education benefits.

The Veterans Tuition Support Program will be available to new students during the fall 2008 term, said Diana Watson-Paul, SOU's associate director of financial aid. To qualify, students must have served on active duty in the past 12 months or currently serve in the National Guard.

Through the program, newly admitted veterans who enroll for eight credits get tuition waived on the next four credits. To take advantage of this program, qualifying students must enroll for 12 credits. At this time, the pilot program will be offered only for fall term.

By taking advantage of this program, new students will receive 12 credits for the price of eight, a savings of $499, Watson-Paul said.

By taking a full-time class load, veterans also boost the VA education benefits they receive, Watson-Paul said. For example, the stipend for a veteran who has just completed active duty and is now a full-time student can be up to $650 a month more than if the veteran was a half-time student, she explained.

In a statement announcing the pilot program, university officials said the program gives veterans a chance to see what SOU has to offer and enables the university to support the men and women who have served.

Watson-Paul said the university hasn't received any applications for the tuition support program yet, but is just getting the word out. Officials don't have an estimate yet of how many students might qualify.

For more information, contact Watson-Paul at 541-552-6756 or e-mail watsonpd@sou.edu.

Print this Article Email this Article