Veterans who attend GW will have their entire tuition covered by the University and the Veterans Administration, University President Steven Knapp announced at an event in Kogan Plaza this morning.

Under the policy announced today, the University will give each veteran roughly $18,000 per year, an amount that this then matched by the VA. Earlier this year GW enrolled in the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which promises to match any amount offered by a University.

“With this commitment, we are honoring veterans and showing our commitment to their service,” Knapp said.

Knapp was joined by former Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) and Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs Tammy Duckworth, a GW alumna who lost both her legs while serving in Iraq. Warner recalled how he took a class at GW after serving in the Korean War.

“I am here for a simple purpose, to say thank you,” he said.

Junior Brian Hawthorne, a founding member of GW Veterans, was pleased by the news.

“Today’s announcement ensures that veterans will be able to get a quality education here at GW,” he said.

Hatchet Staff Writer Geoffrey Middleberg contributed to this post