Webster University Introduces Military Tuition Assistance Protection (MTAP) Plan

Webster University is stepping up to provide military students with access to funds for their education following the suspension of Department of Defense tuition assistance (TA) funds due to the sequestration.  MTAP resource information for military students is here.

ST. LOUIS, March14, 2013 – Webster University is stepping up to provide military students with access to funds for their education following the suspension of Department of Defense tuition assistance (TA) funds due to the sequestration. Through the Webster Military Tuition Assistance Protection (MTAP) Plan, eligible and qualifying current, transfer and new students will receive a Webster grant covering the suspended TA payment.

Military services suspended tuition assistance programs as a result of sequestration. Members of the military were informed that new applications for tuition assistance will not be accepted due to the $85 billion in automatic spending cuts that went into effect on March 1, 2013. Thousands of service members take advantage of the tuition assistance program, which allows them to take college courses that prepare them for their jobs in the military and for their transition to the civilian workforce.

“We are proud to serve our service members at this crucial time,” said Brig. Gen. Mike Callan, USAF (Ret), Webster University associate vice president for Military and Governmental Programs. “We don’t want them to have to interrupt their studies due to the lost TA payment, and this is the least we can do to help them when they do so much for us.”

Rated one of the top schools for military students by Military Advanced Education Magazine, Webster University is offering the MTAP Plan which includes:

• Grant covering up to $250 per credit hour to replace the suspended U.S. Government TA funds.
• Reimburses current Webster University students registered for the Spring II term who have already replaced the suspended U.S. Government TA funds with their own monies.
• Immediate assistance for Spring II (begins March 18) and summer enrollment.

This grant can be used for undergraduate or graduate classes – both in class and online at any Webster University location, including our 39 military locations. Grants will be given for Spring II, which begins on March 18, and for the Summer term, unless the military tuition assistance is reinstated. When the military tuition assistance is reinstated, the Webster MTAP Plan will cease. Students interested in pursuing Webster’s MTAP plan should contact the Webster location of choice.

“Enriching lives and creating opportunities for purposeful careers is an essential part of our commitment to be the first choice for military education,” said Webster University President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. “That means being there to support them during this difficult time. We believe it is important to equip service members with the resources to continue their career advancement.”

“Degree completion is critical to advancing one’s career,” said Julian Schuster, Webster’s Provost, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Whether a military student is preparing for promotion to higher levels of responsibility or transitioning out of the military into another career, uninterrupted studies are the best way to help military students reach their goals successfully and efficiently.”

About Webster University’s Service-to-Service Members

Webster University’s service-to-service members dates back to 1974, when, at the invitation of the Department of Defense, Webster offered its programs for the first time at Ft. Sheridan, located north of Chicago. Programs at Scott Air Force Base near St. Louis followed soon thereafter. Today, Webster is nationally recognized for being military friendly and is one of the largest providers of graduate-level military education in the United States; more than 6,000 of Webster’s 22,000 students have a military connection. Webster’s high-ranking military alumni include over 200 active-duty Generals and Admirals. Webster has been recognized as a Top School for Military Students by Military Advanced Education Magazine and has been recognized for outstanding contributions to military education by the Council of College and Military Educators.

In 2012, Webster took the first step in developing an Office of Military Affairs by hiring retired Brig. Gen. Michael W. Callan (USAF) as associate vice president for Military and Governmental Programs. Callan provides leadership and strategic direction for Webster’s alliances with all branches of the military related to the development and delivery of education programs and develops and strengthens relationships with federal and state agencies.