New York Veterans Get 98% of Tuition Paid Published Oct. 6, 2008 By Sra Kevin K. Dean 174th Fighter Wing HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, NY -- Eligible veterans can receive 98% of tuition or $4,287.50, whichever is less, for full time study at the State University of New York. Veterans are eligible if they are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions and who have met one of the following conditions: -Vietnam Veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975. -Persian Gulf Veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990. -Afghanistan Veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001. -Veterans of the armed forces of the United States who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961 as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal. Questions regarding eligible service or how to document service should be directed to the HESC Scholarship Unit at 1-888-697-4372. The process to apply for the award is to establish eligibility with HESC, be matriculated in a degree-granting institution in New York State or in an approved vocational training program in New York State. The program covers undergraduate and graduate degree programs as well as qualified vocational training programs. The New York State Division of Veterans Affairs Bureau of Veterans Education is the approving authority for vocational programs and they can be contacted at (518) 474-6114. The program differs from the New York State Recruitment Incentive and Retention Program in that it will also cover three years of graduate study. Unit members here that are eligible for the program and already have a bachelor's degree can attend a graduate program and use the new program to cover the tuition costs. Applications for the award are due by May 1 of the year for which the award is sought. To receive a copy of the application, call 1-888-697-4372.