NC Fights for Military Tuition Amidst Sequester Cuts

Stepping up to the plate with immediate action following the first week of funding cuts that have adversely affected soldiers, Methodist University in Fayetteville is offering free tuition to active-duty military personnel.

The Fayetteville Observer reported the school made the offer because of the military's suspension of tuition assistance for soldiers, due to recent sequester cuts.

Half of the military students from Fort Bragg enrolled at Methodist University woud have lost federal grant money, standing in the way of an estimated 100 students to register because of the budget cuts according to an ABC local news report.

For two classes now and four that begin in May, the university is allowing active-duty military to apply for free tuition. The free tuition offer is only valid through the summer as a temporary solution.

NC Sen. Kay Hagan filed an amendment to restore the military tuition assistance program and spoke to the media on Thursday.

"This is a very important amendment, and we need to have an opportunity to vote on it on the Senate floor," Hagan said. "When you look at the number of men and women who are active-duty and are using this to further their education, it's a recruitment tool right now for the military, it's a retention tool, but also as our men and women are leaving the military it's a great transition to civilian life."