Marian University is one of 50 colleges and universities across Indiana, and 1,100 across the United States, who have agreed to partner with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to improve financial aid for veterans by participating in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.

“Marian University is humbled and honored to have the opportunity to give back to those who fought for our country by providing them with a quality, faith-based education,” said Daniel J. Elsener, president of Marian University. “As we build a great Catholic university, our vision is to produce graduates who will profoundly transform lives, society, and the world. The brave men and women who stepped forward to serve our country in a time of need have shown profound strength, courage, and character. We look forward to serving them in return, and preparing them with additional knowledge and skills so that they may discover new ways to transform the lives of those around them.”

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the most extensive educational assistance program authorized since the original GI Bill was signed into law in 1944; it was passed by congress last year. The program provides veterans with new educational opportunities by allowing U.S. institutions of higher education to enter into agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The institution contributes up to 50 percent of those expenses; the VA matches this amount. Veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100 percent benefit level are eligible for the program; this includes those who served at least 36 months on active duty since September 10, 2001, or served at least 30 continuous days before being discharged for a service-related injury.