SAN DIEGO, Oct. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to the federal government shutdown, military tuition assistance (TA), a popular benefit that is helping thousands of service members pursue higher education, has been suspended. In response to this highly impactful suspension, Ashford University has implemented a Military Tuition Assistance Grant that will cover the equivalent of TA payments for impacted students scheduled to start a course on or after Oct. 1, 2013.

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"While this entire situation is regrettable, our main concern at Ashford University is ensuring our students are able to continue their education," said Dr. Richard Pattenaude, president of Ashford University. "Because of the Military Tuition Assistance Grant, our military students will experience no disruption in their studies." 

Ashford University's Military Tuition Assistance Grant will be available to continuing and returning students who are active-duty military, guard, reservists, civilian employees of the U.S. Coast Guard, and Department of Defense employees who are tuition assistance eligible and subject to tuition assistance suspension from their branch of service. The grant will cover the tuition assistance equivalent for one non-concurrent course starting Oct. 1, 2013.

Ashford University continues to monitor the situation in Washington and will make a determination regarding the availability of the Ashford University Military Tuition Assistance Grant for future course starts in the coming days.

About Ashford UniversityWhere heritage meets innovation – that's Ashford University. At Ashford, students discover relevant degree programs, innovative technology, and cherished tradition. Ashford offers associates, bachelor's, and master's online degree programs, while the Clinton, Iowa campus offers bachelor's programs. Whether on campus or online, Ashford students enjoy the same supportive community. For more information, please visit ashford.edu or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, Vice President of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

Contact: Shari Winet Rodriguez, Vice President of Public Relations858.513.9240 x2513 · shari.winetrodriguez@ashford.edu

SOURCE Ashford University

RELATED LINKShttp://www.ashford.edu