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UC Offers Financial Assistance to Veterans

VA, UC Team Up Under Yellow Ribbon Program

Written By Keith Henry

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (07/01/2009) - Utica College will partner with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in offering new educational benefits to veterans interested in attending UC. Under the provisions of the Yellow Ribbon Program, a part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, private colleges and the VA will team up to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rates.

Prior to passage of the act, private colleges were an option few veterans could afford. The new plan allows colleges to share the extra expense of private college tuition with the VA, each contributing equally to make up the shortfall. While the majority of programs at UC are affordable to veterans without Yellow Ribbon assistance, the program provides the added assurance to veterans that their costs are covered.

Albert Orbinati, director of online and non-traditional programs at UC, is himself a veteran and will be liaison for the program and act as adviser for veterans. He feels an affinity for his fellow veterans and is eager to assist them with the challenges ahead. “You only truly understand someone if you’ve walked in their shoes,” he said. “It is important to know that veterans have unique concerns.”

Most of UC’s first students were returning WW II veterans when the college opened its doors in 1946 and the tradition of helping America’s veterans is imbued in the founding spirit of the college. Orbinati said the Yellow Ribbon program marks a continuation of UC’s commitment to veterans. “Veterans have been called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty and so will UC in offering quality, flexible academic programs and top-notch service. Just as our foundation was built around the experience of veterans, our future will grow with their strength and dedication.”

For more information about the Yellow Ribbon program, contact Orbinati at (315) 792-3821 or via email at agorbinati@utica.edu.