Yellow Ribbon Program offers veterans the opportunity to attend Defiance College tuition-free

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Eligible military veterans of the post-9/11 era will be able to attend Defiance College tuition-free beginning with the 2009 fall semester. The College plans to participate in the Yellow Ribbon program, part of the post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, when it begins on August 1.

The traditional GI Bill guarantees tuition funding for each qualified veteran in any amount under or equal to in-state tuition at their state’s highest priced public institution. The new Yellow Ribbon program provides a source of funding for tuition expenses at participating private institutions whose tuition exceeds the state’s highest priced public institution. Under the program, the tuition amount that exceeds the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate would be split evenly between the participating institution and the Yellow Ribbon Program, allowing veterans to attend Defiance College tuition-free.

 “We are excited about participating in the Yellow Ribbon program,” said Mike Suzo, vice president for enrollment management. “In the past, the VA has assisted veterans with programs that would pay for public school tuition and part of private school tuition. The Yellow Ribbon program would bridge the difference in pricing and give veterans the opportunity to choose an institution that best suits their area of interest, whether public or private.”

Suzo noted that Defiance College’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon program follows a long tradition of the institution’s welcoming and support of military veterans as students of higher education. The post-World War II and Vietnam War eras both saw an influx of veterans to the campus.

“We at Defiance College are honored to welcome veterans to the campus and to provide the resources for them to attend DC tuition free,” said Mark Gordon, president-designate. “This is an important opportunity to serve those who have already served us all.”

Through the Yellow Ribbon program, eligible veterans would include those who served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months; were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001; or dependents eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above. 

Additionally, prospective students must meet all requirements for full-time admission to Defiance College and must submit an application for admission. An application may be completed by going to www.defiance.edu/application.html or calling Brad Harsha, director of admissions, at 419-783-2359 or 1-800-520-GO-DC (4632).

Defiance College, chartered in 1850, is an independent, liberal arts institution in Northwest Ohio offering more than 40 undergraduate majors as well as graduate programs in education and business. Defiance College has received national recognition for its educational experience of engagement. U. S. News & World Report ranks Defiance in the top tier of comprehensive colleges in the Midwest. The college website is www.defiance.edu.

See also: DC's Veterans Information

May 13, 2009