Northwestern named military-friendly school

Northwestern College has been named to the 2010 list of Military-Friendly Schools by G.I. Jobs magazine. The list recognizes schools that are in the top 15 percent of all colleges and universities for efforts to embrace America’s veterans as students.

“This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” says Rich McCormack, publisher of G.I. Jobs. “Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military-Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”

Northwestern is among 19 Iowa colleges named to the list, which was compiled through research on more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Criteria included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, as well as academic accreditations. The list is online at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/mfspr.

Northwestern is participating in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Yellow Ribbon Program. A provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, it funds tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Institutions can contribute up to 50 percent of those expenses, and VA will match this additional funding for eligible students. Northwestern will contribute $7,500 per year for up to three veterans.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is reserved for veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level. This includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty or served at least 30 continuous days and were discharged due to a service-related injury.