Midland College offers higher education benefits to U.S. military veterans and their benefitsApril 26, 2018

Midland College is honored to be a provider of higher education benefits for U.S. military veterans and their dependents.  As a community service to this population of students, Midland College announces major changes implemented by the U.S. Veterans Administration.

The first change involves tuition payment rates.  Rates for tuition will now be based on the zip code where the training is actually taking place.  Therefore, Veterans Administration payment rates for classes taught at the Midland College main campus in Midland will differ slightly from those at the college’s branch campus in Fort Stockton.  Payment for online classes is $840.50.  For more information, please refer to Military Benefits Information or the Veterans Administration website.

In addition, the Harry W. Comery Veterans Education Assistance Act, better known as the “Forever GI Bill,” will bring significant changes to Veterans education benefits over the coming years for those service members who are discharged after January 2013. Most changes enhance or expand education benefits for Veterans, service members, families, and survivors.  This includes the elimination of the 15-year limitation to take advantage the Post 911 GI Bill Program.

“The Forever GI Bill will enable veterans who were discharged after January 2013 to enroll in higher education programs throughout their lifetime,” explained Kay Schipper, MC Veterans Administration coordinator.

Schipper warns, however, that there are also changes to higher education benefits for dependents of 100 percent disabled veterans. 

“Previously, dependents of disabled veterans were able to receive education assistance benefits for 45 months,” explained Schipper.  “This will decrease to 36 months effective August 1.  Those dependents who enroll in a college or university prior to August 1 can still receive benefits for 45 months.  Therefore, I encourage graduating high school seniors who qualify for this benefit to go ahead and enroll in a college course this summer, rather than wait until the fall semester.”

For more information about Midland College services for veterans and their dependents, contact Schipper via email, or telephone (432) 685-4511.