The University of Hawaiʻi’s student veterans are celebrating a recently approved policy change that grants in-state tuition to all qualifying veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
The UH Board of Regents unanimously approved the policy amendment in an effort to expand veterans’ access to higher education.
“It’s the right thing to do for the veterans who have served our country. But just as importantly, it’s the right thing to do for Hawaiʻi. The veterans have a wealth of knowledge and experience and a University of Hawaiʻi education will enable them to unlock their capabilities for them and their families to thrive in their communities throughout our state,” said UH President David Lassner.
“It means a lot to me. We’ve been pushing hard in the Student Veterans Organization to get in-state tuition for the past couple of years. And so for this to happen is just pretty amazing,” said Kenith Scott, a UH Mānoa graduate student and Marine Corps veteran. “I think it’ll mean more opportunities to attend school in Hawaiʻi. Many veterans come here from the mainland. They got stationed here for several years and then they want to stay here because they’re established here.”
To receive this benefit, veterans must be honorably discharged from the military and be using their G.I. education benefits.
The new policy takes effect in the 2015 spring semester.