Contact: Kenneth Billings
STARKVILLE, Miss.--Mississippi State now is part of a national effort to help ease the financial burden of out-of-state residents with Chapter 33 GI Bill benefits seeking a higher education.
University President Mark Keenum recently signed an agreement to join the Yellow Ribbon Campaign. Managed and funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the program is a supplement to the Chapter 33 GI Bill passed last year. Chapter 33 also is known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Taking effect Aug. 1, Yellow Ribbon covers costs above and beyond in-state tuition rates covered by the main portion of the bill. Enrollment in the program is open to all who qualify.
"Mississippi State has a long history of supporting our veterans and their families and we are proud to be a part of a program that will help veterans pursue their education and a degree from MSU," Keenum said.
Qualified students enrolling at MSU from beyond state borders now will have a portion of tuition and fees above in-state costs covered, limited only by the availability of funding.
The main provisions of the bill deal with full coverage of the cost of tuition and fees for in-state students.
Andrew Rendon, director of the Sonny Montgomery Center for America's Veterans at MSU, said his office "is available to assist veterans in any way we can.
"We have a wealth of experience that makes us uniquely qualified to help them take full advantage of their benefits," Rendon added.
Complete information on the Post/11 GI Bill or the Yellow Ribbon Campaign is available at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/CH33/Yellow_ribbon.htm.