By Gal Tziperman Lotan

Northeastern officiasls announced Monday a $2 million contribution’ to allow 162 veterans to attend the university for a reduced cost under the Yellow Ribbon Program, part of the Post-Sept. 11, 2001 GI Bill.
The university joins 15 Massachusetts schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, offering anywhere from two to 200 grants to veterans, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs.
‘ ‘Northeastern has a long history of supporting veterans; the school had been involved in all the GI Bills since the first one in 1944,’ said Seamus Harreys, dean of Student Financial and Career Services. ‘Veterans are returning and this is the chance for us to provide them with the opportunity for a higher education.’
There are currently 177 veterans attending Northeastern under other GI Bills, some of which may be eligible for financial support under this one, Harreys said.
Administrators will look to significantly increase the number of veterans on campus in coming academic years, he said.
The program is part of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008, which then-President George W. Bush signed into law June 30, 2008.
The division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs is looking to form a student group to support veterans. Harreys said there may be some overlap with the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program, which usually concentrates on preparing students before their military service.
‘Northeastern’s goal is to be a veteran-friendly campus,’ Harreys said. ‘Each student comes with unique needs. The likelihood is that there will be an increase of veterans on campus, and our service points will be prepared for that.’
Under the bill, the federal government will pay Northeastern up to $5,939.50 per term, the maximum amount for Massachusetts schools, for every eligible veteran enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, by participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Northeastern administrators agree to pay the remaining balance for all veterans eligible for 100 percent of benefits. If a veteran is eligible for less than 100 percent, the school will foot that percentage of the bill.
To be eligible, veterans have to have served in active duty for at least three years beginning on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Veterans who served at least 30 days after Sept. 10, 2001 and were honorably discharged because of a service-related injury or disability are also eligible, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veterans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. They can stay in the program until graduation so long as they maintain ‘satisfactory progress, conduct, and attendance,’ according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
‘I think it’s an important program that fits into the mission of the university,’ Harreys said. ‘What we’ve got is somewhat similar to Northeastern’s core mission of being a good citizen and being there not only for the community but for the nation.’
Colleges and universities have until June 15 to register for the Yellow Ribbon Program. Veterans can begin applying Aug. 1.