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Area colleges help vets

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 14, 2009

Veterans got some good news this week when 16 colleges and universities in Hillsborough County pledged to participate in the federal government's Yellow Ribbon program, part of the expanded GI Bill for post-9/11 veterans.

Financial aid statewide is expected to exceed $35 million. Both of the Bay area's big hitters are participating, with the University of Tampa contributing up to $3,000 for each student each year and the University of South Florida giving up to $5,100.

Other notable area colleges participating include Eckerd College in St. Petersburg ($10,000 a student), Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota ($5,000) and St. Leo University in Saint Leo ($2,808).

Veterans attending private schools receive a maximum base grant equal to the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition. If the private tuition is more, a school can contribute half the additional expense, and the Department of Veterans Affairs will match that.

For information, go to www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_info/ch33/yellow_ribbon..... For more on the GI Bill, call 1-888-442-4551.

A staff report

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