Empire State University announced a significant expansion of its military grant program, extending comprehensive educational benefits to veterans\u2019 spouses for the first time. Beginning fall 2025, undergraduate military spouses of active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans are eligible for a military grant that aligns tuition with the in-state rate of $295 per credit hour and provides the same covered fees previously available only to service members.<\/p>\n
The expansion represents an evolution of SUNY Empire\u2019s military support initiatives. Originally limited to spouses of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel, the 2020 program now expands to include veteran spouses and adds coverage for the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) fee\u2014providing more complete financial support for military families pursuing higher education.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis expansion for veteran spouses reflects SUNY Empire\u2019s commitment to serving military families\u2014removing financial barriers and empowering active duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran members, along with their spouses, to achieve their educational goals,\u201d says Desiree Drindak, SUNY Empire\u2019s Veteran and Military Resource Center director.<\/p>\n
The grant program requires verification of military affiliation.<\/p>\n
SUNY Empire has long provided comprehensive support to military-affiliated students and serves more such students than any other campus in the 64-institution SUNY system. Nearly 20% of all SUNY degrees granted to military-affiliated students come from SUNY Empire.<\/p>\n
<\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span>Beyond financial coverage, SUNY Empire has built support systems designed for military families. The university\u2019s online format accommodates challenges such as irregular schedules, deployment separations, and frequent moves.<\/p>\n According to the U.S. Department of Labor, military spouses face a 21% unemployment rate\u2014six times the civilian rate\u2014and often struggle to maintain career continuity due to relocations and lack of childcare. SUNY Empire\u2019s online programs allow spouses to continue their education regardless of where assignments take their families.<\/p>\n With the Fall 2025 expansion, SUNY Empire\u2019s military grant program\u2014funded with institutional support\u2014now offers:<\/p>\n \u2022 In-state tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for undergraduate military spouses<\/p>\n \u2022 Tuition for active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran students aligned with the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance limit of $250 per credit hour<\/p>\n \u2022 Covered fees including the Credit for Prior Learning fee<\/p>\n \u2022 Eligibility extended to active-duty personnel, National Guard members, Reserve personnel, veterans, and all their spouses<\/p>\n The program reinforces SUNY Empire\u2019s broader commitment to accessible, flexible, high-quality education.<\/p>\n \u201cThe expansion represents enhanced benefits and recognition of military spouses as essential partners in military service,\u201d said Drindak. \u201cThey deserve educational opportunities that support their aspirations.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Empire State University announced a significant expansion of its military grant program, extending comprehensive educational benefits to veterans\u2019 spouses for the first time. Beginning fall 2025, undergraduate military spouses of active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans are eligible for a military grant that aligns tuition with the in-state rate of $295 per […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41071","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-business-news"],"yoast_head":"\r\n