Columbia College launches tuition program for military students amid government shutdown

By Marie Moyer

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) -- As the federal government shutdown nears the two-week mark, Columbia College is stepping in to support military students by launching a tuition assistance program.

The college announced the creation of the "You Stand For Us, We Stand By You” program in a news release on Monday. The release states that the program is for active service members, reservists and National Guard members.

Military members could miss a paycheck on Wednesday if Congress doesn't agree on some type of funding for salaries.

"Service members have stood in harm's way for us countless times. When they need us, we must answer the call," Columbia College President David Russell said in the statement. Russell is a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel.

The program will provide full tuition for affected military students through the fall semester, which ends Dec. 13. Students will get relief upon verification. New military students who enroll in Columbia College during the shutdown will also be assisted. Students who have dropped courses due to funding concerns will also be supported.

Columbia College has historically been a military-friendly institution. According to the release, of the college's alumni, around 34,000 are veterans, active-duty service members or military family members.

Students can contact the Ousley Family Veterans Service Center for assistance.