Sgt. Jordan Jackson, 27, is a student in AU’s post-baccalaureate premedical program. A medic in the Virginia Army National Guard, Jackson is currently stationed in Iraq and hopes to return to AU in spring 2010.

They served our country, and now it’s our turn to help them.

This fall, AU will help 18 post-9/11 veterans fund their education as part of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ new Yellow Ribbon Program. Benefits for the 4 undergrads, 10 grad students, and 4 law students range from $8,900 to $13,750 for three to four years.

The VA will match the funds, enabling the vets to attend AU at virtually no cost.

“Dating back to World War I, AU has a long-standing tradition of supporting America’s military efforts,” said Provost Scott Bass. “The Yellow Ribbon Program is a wonderful testament of AU’s support for veterans and is a natural partnership for an institution with a deep commitment to serving the public interest.”

Created in 2008, the program enables U.S. colleges and universities and the VA to share tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state tuition rate.