Free Tuition for US Vets at RMU
Pittsburgh, Pa., Feb. 12, 2009 – Veterans of the U.S. armed services will be able to earn a degree tuition-free at Robert Morris University (RMU) under the newly created RMU Military Service Award, the university announced today.
To assist veterans in enrolling and earning their degree, the university will open the RMU Veterans Education and Training Services Center (VETS Center), which will provide a host of transitional services to veterans and their families under the direction of retired U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Dan Rota.
Under the Post-9/11 G.I. bill, veterans and other qualified military personnel will be eligible starting this fall to receive a subsidy for tuition that is equivalent to the highest tuition of any public institution in the state. The RMU Military Service Award will cover the difference between that subsidy and RMU’s tuition for qualified veterans who enroll at the university as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student.
“Since 9/11, thousands of veterans from western Pennsylvania have returned from deployment,” said RMU President Gregory G. Dell’Omo. “In this difficult economy, we want to remove barriers and give our best and brightest opportunities for private education that might not otherwise be available. Our goal is simple: give veterans the opportunity to get a private education and graduate with no debt, so the first paycheck they earn is all theirs.”
Under the award program, half of the difference between RMU’s tuition and the veteran’s subsidy is covered by the university, and the other half will come from the federal government through the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. The spouses and dependents of veterans may also qualify for the RMU Military Service Award.
RMU also announced that it will create the VETS Center to provide transitional services and support to veterans who enroll at the university, as well as to their families. Its first director will be retired Brigadier Gen. Dan Rota, who spent 40 years in the Air National Guard. He is professor emeritus of computer and information systems at RMU.
Transitional services will include academic advising, flexible course scheduling, and counseling. RMU is seeking space near the airport-area military bases to house this new facility.
“Robert Morris University already has 130 veterans in their programs and has a long-standing tradition of serving veterans,” said state Sen. John Pippy, R-Moon.
Pippy, a West Point graduate, previously served with the 99th RRC as company commander of the 332nd Engineer Company on active duty in Iraq and Kuwait. Currently he serves as a major in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
“RMU’s promise to provide free tuition for all qualified veterans is a natural evolution of the great work they have been doing with veterans for many years and a tremendous commitment to our region,” said Pippy.
To assist veterans in enrolling and earning their degree, the university will open the RMU Veterans Education and Training Services Center (VETS Center), which will provide a host of transitional services to veterans and their families under the direction of retired U.S. Air National Guard Brig. Gen. Dan Rota.
Under the Post-9/11 G.I. bill, veterans and other qualified military personnel will be eligible starting this fall to receive a subsidy for tuition that is equivalent to the highest tuition of any public institution in the state. The RMU Military Service Award will cover the difference between that subsidy and RMU’s tuition for qualified veterans who enroll at the university as a full-time graduate or undergraduate student.
“Since 9/11, thousands of veterans from western Pennsylvania have returned from deployment,” said RMU President Gregory G. Dell’Omo. “In this difficult economy, we want to remove barriers and give our best and brightest opportunities for private education that might not otherwise be available. Our goal is simple: give veterans the opportunity to get a private education and graduate with no debt, so the first paycheck they earn is all theirs.”
Under the award program, half of the difference between RMU’s tuition and the veteran’s subsidy is covered by the university, and the other half will come from the federal government through the Yellow Ribbon G.I. Education Enhancement Program. The spouses and dependents of veterans may also qualify for the RMU Military Service Award.
RMU also announced that it will create the VETS Center to provide transitional services and support to veterans who enroll at the university, as well as to their families. Its first director will be retired Brigadier Gen. Dan Rota, who spent 40 years in the Air National Guard. He is professor emeritus of computer and information systems at RMU.
Transitional services will include academic advising, flexible course scheduling, and counseling. RMU is seeking space near the airport-area military bases to house this new facility.
“Robert Morris University already has 130 veterans in their programs and has a long-standing tradition of serving veterans,” said state Sen. John Pippy, R-Moon.
Pippy, a West Point graduate, previously served with the 99th RRC as company commander of the 332nd Engineer Company on active duty in Iraq and Kuwait. Currently he serves as a major in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
“RMU’s promise to provide free tuition for all qualified veterans is a natural evolution of the great work they have been doing with veterans for many years and a tremendous commitment to our region,” said Pippy.
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