8/ 24 /09

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Rebecca Steiner

Communications Coordinator

301-369-2800, ext. 3015

Capitol College named a top “ Military Friendly School ” for 2010

LAUREL – Capitol College was recently designated a “Military Friendly School” by G.I. Jobs magazine, announced by the release of the publication’s 2010 list of Military Friendly Schools. Originating as a radio engineering institute offering courses for Navy personnel in 1927, Capitol College has a long, proud history of educating active and former members of the armed forces.

The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and other higher education institutions which are doing the most to embrace America’s active military and veterans as students. In the Post-9/11 GI Bill era, the list offers these unique students guidance on which schools offer additional benefits such as on-campus veterans programs, credit for service, military spouse programs and more.

“It’s an honor to be recognized with this title from one of the leading military-focused publications, although it doesn’t necessarily come as a surprise to us,” comments Capitol College President Dr. Michael Wood. “We have always had the drive to offer our country’s service men and women excellent academic opportunities and additional services to accommodate their unique educational needs.”

In addition to being one of many colleges countrywide that have elected to participate in the Post 9/11 GI Bill’s Yellow Ribbon Program and the Montgomery GI Bill, Capitol is a Servicemembers Opportunity College, a DANTES Affiliated Distance Learning Catalog School, and a Maryland National Guard Educational Partner. Capitol is also approved by the Veterans Administration which allows active duty, reserves, National Guard and veterans to use their educational benefits at the college, and has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the Department of Homeland Security and National Security Agency.

In order to make it even more affordable for military and veterans to receive their degree, Capitol offers flexible payment options for active duty students under the Tuition Assistance Program, offers Maryland National Guard members the opportunity to receive a 50% tuition discount, and has many scholarships and forms of financial aid for which they can apply. Capitol accepts credit for military training based on the American Council on Education guide, CLEP and DANTES exams, and credits from accredited colleges and universities.

Capitol College’s location, just outside Washington, D.C. and within ten miles of Ft. Meade, allows students accessibility to the many branches of the military during and after their college career. Online classes for graduate students make an education at Capitol accessible to active duty military overseas, or those stationed away from the nation’s capitol.

The G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools list was compiled through research starting May 2008, when the publication polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list includes efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students, and academic accreditations.

“This list is especially important now because the recently enacted Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”

A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools will be published in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools, distributed to thousands of active and former military personnel in September 2009. An accompanying website, www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, will also launch in September with interactive tools and search functionality to assist military veterans in choosing schools that best meet their educational needs. The 2010 Military Friendly School list can be found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com/m f spr.

Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to engineering, computer science, information technology and business. Founded in 1927, Capitol is an accredited institution offering associate, bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as professional development training and certificates, and partnerships with government and industry. Capitol is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. The college is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Washington, DC and Baltimore. Capitol and is committed to providing a quality education that is technology-driven, accessible, affordable and practical especially during these challenging economic times. Additional information can be found online at www.capitol-college.edu.

G.I. Jobs is published by Victory Media, a veteran-owned business headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa. The company also publishes The Guide to Military Friendly Schools, Military Spouse and Vetrepreneur magazines and annually rates the nation’s “Military Friendly Employers,” “Military Spouse Friendly Employers” and “Best Corporations for Veteran-Owned Businesses.”

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