News Releases 2009

Within the guidelines of the new federal “ Yellow Ribbon” GI Bill for post-9/11 military members, LeTourneau University will offer free tuition for up to 100 qualifying war veterans, beginning in the fall 2009 semester.  The Yellow Ribbon program will benefit veterans who served on active duty for three years since Sept. 11, 2001. Oversight for the program is through the federal Department of Veteran Affairs.

 LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford said the university is proud to be part of the Yellow Ribbon program. 

“It is our privilege to honor those who have served to defend our nation from terrorism,” Lunsford said. “It will be our pleasure to help these American heroes build successful careers.”

LETU has submitted the paperwork to enroll in the program which was created as part of the new “Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008,” recently approved by Congress.  Under the old GI Bill, veterans were given a flat amount to pursue higher education, but the cost differences between a public and private institution had to be made up by the veterans themselves. Now, the Yellow Ribbon program will pay for half of the cost difference between the state’s highest tuition at its public institutions and the tuition of a private institution, as long as the private institution will provide a grant to cover the other half of tuition.

Under the new benefit, veterans can get varying amounts of assistance, depending on their length of service and the cost of the school they choose.  According to the new GI bill, veterans who served for three years, or those honorably discharged due to a service-related disability, are eligible for all of the benefits, which includes a monthly housing allowance and yearly books and supplies stipend. Details about these and other provisions may be found at http://www.gibill.va.gov .

Inspired by faith and a spirit of ingenuity, LeTourneau University integrates learning, living and Christian leadership in a community of integrity, academic quality and technological innovation. LeTourneau University is an accredited, interdenominational Christian university offering academic majors in the aeronautical sciences, business, education, engineering, the humanities and sciences. 

LeTourneau University also offers business degrees, including a Master’s of Business Administration degree, and teacher certification programs at five education center in Austin, Bedford, Dallas, Houston and Tyler.