FSU and Pierpont Provide Opportunities for Veterans

The federal government is rolling out expanded educational benefits for veterans. Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College are working together to reach out to veterans who are interested in pursuing additional education or job training.

Many veterans will qualify for free tuition as well as assistance with other educational expenses under what's being referred to as the "new GI Bill." Based on their length of active duty service, veterans may be entitled to a percentage of tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and help with books and supplies.

Both Fairmont State and Pierpont are also participating in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program), a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which will help non-resident and graduate students.

"The partnership between Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College creates a uniquely welcoming environment for our country's veterans. Students can pursue a wide variety of training opportunities ranging from certificate workforce programs through graduate degrees," said Steve Leadman, Director of Admissions and Recruitment.

"Because more than one-fourth of the combined FSU and Pierpont student body are adults, returning veterans will find faculty and staff who understand the needs of non-traditional students."

Many veterans may already be able to demonstrate and claim earned academic credit for life experience and some military training. FSU and Pierpont also offer priority scheduling for veterans.

For more information on the "new GI Bill," veterans can visit http://www.va.gov/.

For help getting started in the admissions process, contact the Office of Admissions at (304) 367-4892 or (800) 641-5678. For more information, visit http://www.fairmontstate.edu/admissions/default.asp.