In a recent virtual meeting of the Special Called BOT Finance and Administration Committee at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), officials outlined a strategic plan aimed at increasing enrollment among active-duty military members. The focus of the discussion centered on leveraging the Department of Defense's Tuition Assistance (TA) program, which provides financial support for service members pursuing education while on active duty.

The TA program is a critical educational benefit for active-duty military personnel, allowing them to take up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year at a capped rate of $250 per credit hour. This initiative is separate from the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which can be transferred to dependents. The meeting highlighted that over 200,000 service members utilize TA benefits annually, with the Department of Defense investing approximately half a billion dollars in this program each year.

ETSU officials noted that while the university has seen success in enrolling veterans and military dependents, there is a pressing need to attract more active-duty service members. Currently, ETSU's tuition rates do not align with the TA cap, making it less competitive compared to other institutions, such as Austin Peay State University, which has successfully implemented similar policies.

To address this, the committee proposed a motion to lower undergraduate tuition costs for service members utilizing TA to match the $250 per credit hour cap. This change is expected to enhance ETSU's appeal to military personnel, particularly those in lower enlisted ranks who often face financial constraints while pursuing education.

The financial analysis presented during the meeting suggested that if 80 students enrolled under this new policy, it could yield a net revenue gain of approximately $300,000 for ETSU. Additionally, all deans at the university have agreed to waive course fees not covered by TA, further reducing the financial burden on service members.

The committee set a goal of enrolling 100 active-duty students by 2029, viewing this as a modest yet achievable target. The discussions underscored the importance of education in military career advancement, as civilian education is increasingly recognized in promotion considerations across the armed forces.

As ETSU moves forward with this initiative, the university aims to not only enhance its enrollment figures but also to support the educational aspirations of those who serve in the military, thereby strengthening its commitment to the community and the nation.