Veterans at Southeast Missouri State University wary of new GI Bill

Veterans at Southeast Missouri State University are taking a cautious approach to the new post-Sept. 11 GI Bill, which goes into effect Aug. 1.

"Several students are waiting to get more information to really see how it's going to work," said assistant registrar Debbie Howey, who handles veterans affairs.

The bill, which was passed by Congress last year, overhauled education benefits to veterans.

Howey said about 150 veterans are enrolled at the university and receive benefits under the older Montgomery GI Bill. If veterans opt to receive benefits under the new bill, they cannot switch back.

Howey said the university has processed about eight applications for benefits under the new bill, which pays tuition and fees directly to the institution. The old bill provides a monthly stipend to the student based on the amount of time served. The amount does not vary by state.

A new state law factors into the decision to switch to the newer benefits, Howey said. The Missouri Returning Heroes Act went into effect Aug. 28, capping tuition at $50 per credit hour for veterans. Students also cannot pursue technical vocation training under the new bill, which excludes Southeast's law enforcement academy, she said.

"Even though a lot of talk about it makes it sound really great, the majority of our students are better off staying with the old GI Bill," she said.

Veterans who have served at least 36 months or were discharged because of a disability after at least 30 days are eligible to receive full benefits under the new bill. Benefits are based on the state's highest undergraduate in-state tuition.

In Missouri, the maximum amount of tuition available is $9,863 per semester or $269 per credit hour. Rates vary by states and in some states veterans receive more for tuition. For example, the maximum amount available in Wisconsin is $30,979 per semester.

The bill also provides $1,000 for books and a monthly housing allowance, which is based on the veteran's rank, location and whether they have dependents. In the Cape Girardeau area veterans are eligible for at least $634 per month.

One component of the bill is aimed at private schools and graduate programs. The Yellow Ribbon Program pays for tuition that exceeds the highest in-state rates. Veterans Affairs announced earlier this week that 44 Missouri schools are participating in the program, including Metro Business College in Cape Girardeau.

"We elected to participate because we felt it was a good way to honor our veterans," said Janie Warne, the college's financial aid coordinator.

The school will provide a $1,500 stipend to students and the VA will cover tuition, which is $3,125 per quarter, she said.

The school, which currently has about 150 students, will provide the benefit to 20 students. She said there has been little interest so far in the recently announced program. Classes start at the college Sept. 8.

abusch@semissourian.com

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