Wis. Bill to Give Free Tuition to Veterans

[Judi Lynn]

Wis. Bill to Give Free Tuition to Veterans
By RYAN J. FOLEY
Associated Press Writer

May 17, 2006, 5:40 PM EDT

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin veterans would be eligible for free tuition at University of Wisconsin campuses and the state's technical colleges under a bill Gov. Jim Doyle is expected to sign.

The Wisconsin measure expands a program that started this school year in which the state pays half of tuition and fees for Wisconsin veterans and the full cost for spouses and family members of soldiers killed in action.

Starting in fall 2007, many of the state's estimated 464,000 veterans will be eligible for full-tuition waivers at the state's 26 UW campuses and 16 technical colleges. At least two other states -- Texas and Illinois -- have similar programs, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Technical College System warned they may have to charge other students higher tuition to cover the estimated $9 million annual cost.
(snip/...)

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-veterans-benefits,0,285677.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines

[ThomCat]

1. That's great, but..

I hope they're doing something equally generous for poor and disadvantaged kids who don't go into the military. Otherwise they're just helping the military with a poverty draft.

[DS1]

2. Massachusetts has been doing this for a long time

The thing is, you see, is that tuition these days is but a pittance of the FEES they charge you, notwithstanding the $180 they'll sell you and buy back for 10. It's a racket.

My tuition used to cost 485, and then the fees were 2790.

[yellowcanine]

3. Well that's nice but wouldn't it be better to just bring them home?

[katinmn]

4. Are they resurrecting the GI Bill?

I didn't know it had been phased out.

[Sirveri]

8. GI bill is still there, this is above and beyond.

[midnight]

5. Interesting info. Thanks.

I will have to research and see if my family can use this tuition money.

[rodeodance]

6. whow WISCONSIN

[Lost-in-FL]

7. Ok I am confused.

They already get free tuition at least for National Guard (those currently serving in the NG to be more

specific). Now, is the tuition for all VETERANS including those who finished their commitment? If that is

the case... wow!! That is awesome. Once you are out of the military you just get certain amount of money

per month but it does not pay the full tuition.