#United States #Columbia #government shutdown #military students #Columbia College

Columbia College of Missouri Supports Military Students Amid Shutdown

As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, Columbia College of Missouri has launched a commendable initiative aimed at supporting military students who are facing uncertainty due to the freezing of federal funding for tuition assistance. The College has introduced the "You Stand For Us, We Stand By You" program, which is specifically designed to cover the tuition costs for all affected service members during this challenging time.

Ensuring Educational Continuity

The initiative allows active-duty personnel, reservists, and National Guard members enrolled at Columbia College to continue their education without any interruptions or the burden of out-of-pocket costs, even while their federal tuition assistance is unavailable. This crucial support not only provides financial relief but also promotes academic progress for those who have dedicated their lives to serving the nation.

Dr. David Russell, the President of Columbia College and a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, emphasized the College's commitment, stating, "For more than 50 years, Columbia College has been proud to serve those who serve our nation. Service members have stood in harm's way for us countless times. When they need us, we must answer the call."

Features of the Program

The specifics of the "You Stand For Us, We Stand By You" program include:

• - Full coverage of tuition assistance (TA) for all military students affected by the funding freeze, applicable through the remainder of the Fall 2025 Semester (from October 20 to December 13, 2025).
• - Automatic enrollment for current students upon salary verification for tuition assistance eligibility.
• - Assistance for students who had previously dropped courses due to financial difficulties, ensuring they can re-enroll and continue their studies.
• - Immediate tuition awards granted to new military students who enroll during the course of the shutdown.

For more detailed information on the program and eligibility, students are encouraged to visit ccis.edu/MTA.

Serving Those Who Serve

Dr. Sandra Hamar, Senior Vice President and Provost at Columbia College, remarked, "These men and women selflessly serve our country and deserve our very best, and we are making sure they can continue in pursuit of their educational goals." This sentiment underscores the College's dedication not just to marketing itself as military-friendly, but actually demonstrating that commitment through tangible actions, especially during a crisis.

With a significant portion of its student body connected to military service—approximately one-third—Columbia College has established a deep-seated reputation in military education. It operates over 15 locations nationwide, many situated on military installations, proving its accessibility to military families. The institution has earned the distinction of being a Purple Heart College and ranks consistently among top military-friendly universities. Of its nearly 100,000 alumni, more than 34,000 are veterans, active-duty service members, or military family members who have successfully transitioned into their professional lives after completing their education at the College.

In these uncertain times, Columbia College's proactive measures exemplify how educational institutions can adapt to federal challenges while prioritizing the needs of those who serve the nation. Through the "You Stand For Us, We Stand By You" initiative, Columbia College not only addresses the immediate needs of military students but also reinforces its longstanding commitment to support their educational aspirations.

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For additional inquiries, media representatives can reach out to Sam Fleury at (573) 875-7283 or via email at [email protected]