Being in the military is incredibly hard work, and that is quite the understatement. It takes bravery, strength, determination, loyalty, and dedication to serve and protect our country. It takes even more to pursue a degree at the same time. That is why Eastern University has made the decision to cut tuition rates for students who are currently serving in any branch of the military, a decision that was implemented this January.
Eastern has always welcomed military students through programs like the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) which allows students to train and gain leadership skills before joining the armed forces. In partnership with Valley Forge Military Academy and College and St. Joseph’s University, Eastern aims to foster a supportive environment for military students, something that is especially necessary at a small university.
There are also scholarships, awards, and benefits given to eligible military students and veterans when they apply. These depend on the degree the student is pursuing and the student’s living situation, much like any other scholarship and award. There are grants for active military families, scholarships available to families of military members who passed away while serving, and for members of the military discharged with a service-connected disability.
Though military students have always had a place at Eastern University, this new discount on tuition is meant to encourage more current military members to enroll at the university. With this discount, current military students will be able to pay a lower rate of $250 per credit as a thank you for their service to our country. Students who are eligible for this new discount must be currently enrolled in any branch of the military, and they can be in active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves.
As online programs and classes, such as Eastern’s new Masters of Science program in Data Science, draw in more current military students who are interested in pursuing a degree from anywhere at any time, efforts like this one to make education more accessible and affordable to military students are crucial in maintaining student engagement. Especially this year, when stress and tensions are at an all-time high for everyone with pandemic guidelines and quarantine protocols, ensuring that every student, regardless of their situation, feels supported and appreciated is necessary, and military students are no exception.
To all of Eastern’s military students, thank you for your service to our country, and best of luck in your academic journey.
Source: Eastern.edu
Katherine Thomas 
Will Cunningham 
Lenora Kirkland