MARQUETTE, Mich.—Northern Michigan University has announced a new scholarship that will guarantee in-state tuition for all eligible U.S. military veterans who want to pursue a college degree. The NMU Veterans Scholarship covers any tuition costs beyond NMU’s in-state rate that are not addressed by veteran’s benefits and NMU’s participation in the federal Yellow Ribbon program.

            “As a veteran myself, I’m pleased that Northern can offer financial assistance as a way to thank men and women of all military branches for their unselfish commitment and valuable service to our country,” said NMU Interim President David Haynes, who was a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1965-69. “We want to make it easier for veterans to get a college education, regardless of their home state.”

The NMU Veterans Scholarship expands on the qualities that previously contributed to NMU’s third-straight appearance on the annual Military-Friendly Schools list released by G.I. Jobs. The designation honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools “that are doing the most to embrace America's service members and veterans as students.” Northern already offers in-state tuition to active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel and their dependents. G.I. Jobs also cited the university for—among other benefits—its status as a VA-approved institution that gives American Council on Education credit for military training and experience, its ROTC program and its membership in the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges consortium.

“NMU has already gained national recognition for its efforts to accommodate veterans as they transition from military service to higher education,” said Jason Allen, senior deputy director for the State of Michigan’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This scholarship builds on that foundation by helping those whose college costs exceed their calculated federal benefits. We are happy to see NMU take this important step toward making college more accessible and affordable for all veterans.” 

The NMU Veterans Scholarship is available to individuals with an honorable discharge. Documentation is required to receive in-state tuition. For more information on the scholarship, call the NMU financial aid office at 227-2327 or visit www.nmu.edu/veterans.