Fordham University Raises Awareness of Financial Benefits for Student Veterans Attending College in Westchester

U.S. military veterans seeking to further their education may be surprised to learn about the financial benefits of attending a Westchester-based college. The Veterans Benefits Administration’s monthly housing allowance, or MHA, is higher for students attending schools or campuses in Westchester County than in many parts of the region, such as the Bronx or Stamford, Conn. That has not always been the case, and Fordham University is seeking to raise awareness about the increased stipend and how student veterans can take advantage of the benefits.

“Veterans don’t always understand how their education benefits work, and we want to help them maximize their benefits,” said Matt Butler, MSgt. USMC (Ret.), Director of Military and Veterans’ Services at Fordham University. “Most students using the GI Bill receive a monthly housing stipend, which is tied to the zip code of the school they are attending, not their home zip code. The MHA for a Westchester-based university has gone up considerably, so Fordham’s Westchester campus is now a much more attractive option for veterans who are coming in under the Yellow Ribbon benefit.”

Fordham’s Yellow Ribbon program covers 100 percent of the tuition and fees for eligible veterans.

The Department of Defense calculates a basic housing allowance for eligible veterans and service members. The national average is $1,833 per month, but for Westchester the stipend is approximately $3,321 – so a student could live in a more affordable area outside of the county and receive the higher payment by commuting to a Westchester campus. By comparison, if that student were to attend school in the Stamford area, for example, the payment would be around $2,727*.

“Because the GI Bill comes with a stipend in the form of the monthly housing allowance we know this is a factor in their decision to pursue a degree,” said Butler, adding a number of Fordham’s student veterans have expressed interest in attending the school’s Westchester campus but opted for the Bronx or New York City because of the higher MHA. “Now, Westchester is a much more viable option to get a Fordham degree.”

In addition to the Yellow Ribbon program, Fordham University offers a number of services to assist student veterans. The Office of Military and Veterans’ Services works with individuals transitioning from the military to pursue higher education and become working professionals.

“There are many challenges veterans face as they transition to civilian life, and it’s so important they have all the information available to help navigate the system and choose their school location and housing wisely,” said Andrea Marais, Associate Dean, Strategic Marketing and Enrollment, School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Fordham University. “Veterans deserve every dollar they get and we want to ensure they maximize their benefits to get the best education possible for the sacrifices they’ve made.”

Fordham is an approved Yellow Ribbon Program University, which guarantees that all tuition and fees are fully covered for admitted veterans who are classified in the VA’s maximum benefit category of eligibility. Fordham is one of the top-ranked military-inclusive colleges in New York City and is listed in the top ranks of other leading national publications for military and veterans. It is one of only five universities in New York State to be included in the “Keys to Veterans Success” listing by the U.S. Department of Education. For information, visit www.fordham.edu/info.

* Source: Defense Travel Management Office.

ABOUT FORDHAM SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING STUDIES:

The School of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS) offers students a quality education in a small, personalized atmosphere that promotes individual growth and exploration. With four campus locations – Lincoln Center in Manhattan, Rose Hill in the Bronx and West Harrison in Westchester, and a London Centre, PCS is poised to meet students’ academic needs. Classes are offered evenings, weekends and online in areas including undergraduate degrees for adult learners, as well as Post-Baccalaureate / Pre-Medical / Pre-Health, and a Master’s in Applied Health Informatics. The Fordham Real Estate Institute, which is also part of PCS, offers Graduate Degrees, Undergraduate Degrees and multiple Certificate Programs in Real Estate at the Westchester and Lincoln Center campuses. Visit https://www.fordham.edu/pcs for more information.