Due to the ongoing government shutdown, members of the armed services seeking higher education have lost access to key financial aid provided through the federal Military Tuition Assistance, TA, program. In response, Troy University has announced that it will offer a TA scholarship to eligible service members so that they can continue their education without interruption.
“As a Marine, I learned you never leave anyone behind on the battlefield,” said Troy University Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. “This is a time of uncertainty, but Troy University won’t let our military students face this challenge alone. We will proudly provide a scholarship equal to tuition assistance so that our service members’ educational goals are not disrupted.”
With the Military Tuition Assistance for Troy’s Term 2 enrollment period canceled due to the shutdown, the university will now offer a scholarship equal to the amount traditionally paid through the TA program for any students who have applied, or currently receive, Military Tuition Assistance. According to the university, the scholarship will aid around 800 students at Troy who have been impacted by the suspension of the TA program.
Troy officials have reported that replacing TA funding with the new scholarship will cost the university around $1 million, with Troy spokesman Clif Lusk telling Alabama Daily News that the university will be able to fund the scholarships due to the “stewardship” of senior administration officials at the university.
The university also noted that military students will continue to benefit from the TROY Military and Family Scholarship, which “reduces tuition to the Department of Defense (DoD)-approved rate of $250 per credit hour,” ensuring there are no out-of-pocket tuition expenses for service members using TA. The scholarship also covers the cost of course materials and textbooks for active-duty service members through the Trojan Book Bag program.
“Troy University takes great pride in its long tradition of service to America’s military men and women and their families,” Dr. Hawkins said. “Because of this history, we understand the unique needs of military students and remain committed to helping them achieve their educational and career goals.”
Other schools across the country are also taking it upon themselves to cover tuition for their military students if the government shutdown continues. Officials at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee stated that they would offer tuition assistance to their military students if the shutdown continues past Wednesday, while New England College announced that it would do the same if the shutdown continues through October 20.
