UCM Announces In-state Tuition Rate for Military and Veteran Dependents

 

As a campus leader who frequently engages with individuals who serve their country,  United States Air Force veteran Courtney Swoboda, director of Military and Veteran Services at the University of Central Missouri, spoke to members of the Leadership Missouri program this fall about different ways UCM assists active duty military members, veterans, and their families in pursuit of a higher education.

WARRENSBURG, MO – While the University of Central Missouri has a longstanding commitment to making higher education more affordable for individuals who currently serve in the military as well as veterans, UCM is not forgetting the families of those who dedicate their lives to this country. When it met on campus recently, UCM’s Board of Governors approved a recommendation to expand the university’s in-state tuition rates to dependents of service members and veterans.

Bill Hawley, vice president for finance and operations at the university, presented the dependent tuition proposal to the board, noting that it aligns with best practices and also is in compliance with Veterans Affairs (VA) requirements related to students who are using transfer of entitlement under Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program. Following board approval, the new policy is effective for fall 2023.

This measure benefits dependents of active duty, guard, and reserve members of the military regardless of the state where the military member is serving. It also applies to dependents of veterans who do not have VA educational entitlement, and to dependents who have exhausted their VA educational entitlement, according to Hawley.

UCM’s Office of Military and Veterans Services will manage the new initiative, which is expected to contribute to the institution’s reputation as a university committed to creating a military friendly environment. This reputation was validated earlier this year when the university received the 2022-2023 Military Friendly® School Gold designation from VIQTORY Media. It also was named as a Best College for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.

UCM has a strong relationship with individuals who serve in all branches of the military. While it is in close proximity to Whiteman Air Force Base and offers courses at the base, it has online course and degree offerings that can reach individuals across the globe, including those military members who may be deployed. The university also offers in-state tuition for all active duty and military veterans and a Military Tuition package that helps reduce costs not covered by traditional military benefits. Additionally, it provides a Command Pass that enables military members enrolled at UCM free admission to home athletic games.

To learn more, contact the Office of Military and Veterans Services at 660-543-8776, vets@ucmo.edu, or visit the office’s website.