SIUC won't be reimbursed for $1.4 million in veteran's financial aid

State officials have left SIUC to pick up a $1.4 million check for veteran's financial aid.

As more veterans enroll in colleges, aid from the state for such students has dwindled. This funding loss hurts SIUC the most as it enrolled more veterans during the last two years than any other state institution.

The Illinois Veterans Grant, which pays for any Illinois veteran's tuition and fees, was granted to 12,030 people this year compared to 11,511 in 2005, said January Smith, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Veteran's Affairs.

Even though less money is coming from the state, SIUC is still required to provide full financial aid for veterans no matter whether the state reimburses the school.

Hamilton said the consistent drops in state funding have happened since 2002. State Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from Carbondale, said the reduction of funding for the Illinois Veterans Grant was a part of Gov. Blagojevich's budget proposal when he took office.

Bost, who is also the Republican spokesman of the higher education committee in the house, said the Illinois Veteran Grant funding did not increase even though enrollment increased.

In the 2005 summer and fall semesters, the state fully reimbursed the university for the veterans' tuition and fees, said Financial Aid director Billie Jo Hamilton.

In the spring semester, the state reimbursed the school 10 percent, which left SIUC with a $1.4 million payment.

Hamilton said that it's been a common situation in the spring for the past few years. In 2004, the state paid for 57 percent of the Illinois Veterans Grant program and provided 43 percent in 2005.

Overall, SIUC has paid more than $2.6 million in the past three years, while the state has paid about $1.5 million.

"This is the third or fourth year this has happened, but not at this level or magnitude," Hamilton said.

The funding issues may stem from higher tuition and the rising enrollment of veterans, Hamilton said.

"The funding hasn't increased with demand," Hamilton said. "One will assume participation will increase."

Smith said the lower return is attributed to more veterans returning from combat in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"In the midst of a war, the younger veterans are taking advantage of this program," Smith said.

Hamilton said the lower state funding is very significant since SIUC is the top institution in Illinois that enrolls veterans from 2004 to 2005 and has enrolled 806 veterans this year.

Provost John Dunn said the university has had to dip into funds for other projects on campus such as fixing roofs or repairing classrooms to make up the difference.

"We would prefer that we have the full funding, but it has not been the case," Dunn said.

Zach Rounds, a 30-year-old senior from Herrin studying administration of justice, said he thinks state officials are punishing the university for encouraging veterans to pursue higher education. Rounds works for the Veterans Affairs office on campus and is a Navy veteran who served in Guam from January 2003 to December 2004

"SIUC sounds like it's doing its part." Rounds said.