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Admiral says Navy doesn’t plan to cut tuition assistance programs

Posted at 5:55 PM, Mar 19, 2013
and last updated 2013-03-19 17:55:57-04

VIRGINIA BEACH,  Va. (WTVR)—Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk said Tuesday that the Navy is the only branch that plans to keep the college tuition assistance program in place for active duty service members.

Almost two weeks ago the Army and Marines announced they would suspend their tuition assistance programs for soldiers, due to sequestration cuts.

Van Buskirk said that the program this fiscal year will definitely not be cut, although future sailors enrolling in the program may be asked to contribute a matching percentage towards their education. No decision has been made yet though.

“We value it, and that’s why we’re going to continue it give it,” Van Buskirk said.

Buskirk also noted that the Army spends about $300 million on tuition assistance programs a year, versus the Navy, which spends about $84 million.

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