San Diego City College, along with 13 other San Diego County schools, has been labeled as “Veteran Friendly” in a recent issue of G.I. Jobs magazine.
The list, containing 62 schools, highlighted the schools ever-growing population of veterans receiving higher education at the institution.
This is due partly to the amount of benefits veterans receive in San Diego and the arrival of the new Post 9/11 GI Bill that went into effect Aug. 1.
With the new GI Bill veterans can have their tuition and fees paid for by the VA. They can also receive a monthly stipend equal to that of a sergeant in the military with dependents (San Diego, $2,018). The veteran also receives $1,000 a year for books.
The older bill, which was enacted in 1944 had veterans paying out of pocket for tuition and would receive a monthly paycheck to hopefully cover the costs. This new bill makes sure the cost is covered and does its part in ensuring the veteran can live comfortably. This new bill alone has changed the enrollment of many schools in the county.
Belinda Harris, a student service assistant with the veterans office on campus, says she has noticed an increase in the numbers of veterans coming in to receive more benefits. Harris, along with other assistants, acts as a liaison for the VA so the veteran can ensure they notify the VA of their eligibility, and in turn, receive the necessary benefits.
“The benefits are pretty sweet,” said Anthony Scimeca, a 23-year-old nursing major and formerly a machinist maintenance technician. “You can’t go wrong when all your expenses are being paid and you receive money to live off of.”
For current student-veterans, most have already experienced the benefits of the new bill, but since the posting of the new bill, it leaves incoming student-veterans with high hopes.
“I’m just starting here at City and am excited to reap the benefits,” said Matthew Hosang, a biology major and formerly a corpsman with the Navy. “For someone like me who couldn’t receive the old bill, this new one opens up a lot of doors for me.”
However, there are certain requirements that need to be met by the veteran before they can receive the full benefit. The veteran must have served at least 36 months after Sept. 11, 2001.
In addition, G. I. Jobs has posted a new interactive web site so veterans can search for any military friendly schools in their area. This site also has tools so the veteran can ask questions, review benefit information and seek advice dealing with their current situation.
For more information on the benefits veterans can receive visit www.va.gov or for other military friendly schools visit www.militaryfriendlyschools.com