Hard-pressed colleges may not help vets

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Private colleges and universities, hit hard by the economic slump, are unlikely to provide help for veterans under the Yellow Ribbon program, an official says.

Under the program, private institutions can waive up to half the tuition and fees not covered by current benefits. The VA will then match that assistance.

But Keith Wilson, director of education services for the Veterans Benefits Administration, said few colleges and universities say they will adopt the program, the Daily Press of Newport News, Va., reported Tuesday.

"Schools are really struggling right now, especially the high-end schools," he said.

The current GI Bill limits tuition reimbursement to that of the most expensive state-operated school. The Yellow Ribbon program was added by former Sen. John Warner, R-Va., to help vets go to private colleges.

Wilson said some schools may adopt a "token" version of the program. They can choose to waive tuition from 1 percent up to 50 percent of the amount greater than a state school.