Vets urged to look at private colleges

Published 3:22 pm Friday, June 19, 2009

Contrary to the observation by Tom Philpott in his June 13 military column, “Private colleges sign on to new G.I. Bill benefit,” here in Washington state the vast majority of member institutions of Independent Colleges of Washington have signed “Yellow Ribbon” agreements and will be offering the new post 9/11 G.I. Bill benefit beginning this fall.

Participation in the Yellow Ribbon program is only one measure of our support for veterans. Private colleges have always invested significant resources in financial aid to make our programs affordable for veterans and low-income students.

We urge interested veterans to check with independent colleges in Washington to find out more about their eligibility to attend the most prestigious colleges and universities in the state, and to learn about veteran benefits and other sources of financial aid.

A list of Washington’s private colleges is at www.ICWashington.org.

Violet A. Boyer

President and CEO

Independent Colleges of Washington

Seattle