University of Maine System trustees gave final approval earlier this year to a new policy that will charge in-state tuition rates to all current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces who were honorably discharged, regardless of whether they are receiving other military educational benefits. The new tuition rate goes into effect in time for the May term and summer sessions.
Maine joins 20 other states with similar policies — and is the first university system north of Maryland to provide this benefit. Veterans of all ages are eligible.
“As our nation draws down the forces deployed to Afghanistan and also reduces the size of the armed forces in response to budget and deficit challenges, the sons and daughters who served will be returning home,” explained retired Admiral Gregory Johnson of Harpswell, vice chair of the UMS board of trustees. “This provides a unique opportunity to continue what has been a long tradition by Maine’s seven public universities of facilitating access to superb and affordable educational opportunities. In addition, it’s another very important way to attract young people and families back to our great state of Maine.”
Adm. Johnson noted that postsecondary education is an important aspect of the reintegration process as veterans return to civil society. He added that similar veterans’ tuition measures are underway at the federal and state levels, but trustees felt it was important to put the benefits in place as soon as possible. This policy would be effective at all seven Maine universities.
Maine currently has over 130,000 military service members within its population and more are entering higher education due to the expansion of benefits for post 9-11 veterans. The original G.I. Bill, officially titled the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It was updated in 2008 to provide enhanced educational benefits for post 9-11 veterans.
“Helping veterans get into higher education, regardless of the residency that may appear on a driver’s license, and achieve the academic credentials that will translate into future success is critical for both their futures and for the state of Maine,” added UMS Chancellor James H. Page. “Providing this benefit to current and past members of the armed forces is the right thing for all of public higher education to implement, not just here in Maine.”
FMI, visit www.maine.edu.
