A new initiative from the Coalition for Access, Affordability, and Success seeks to boost college-going rates among members of the US armed forces.

Starting next year, a group of Coalition colleges will waive their application fees for veterans and current service members applying for the 2019-2020 academic year.

“Only 4 percent of all undergraduate students are veterans, and less than one-third of those veterans enroll at a four-year public or private university,” Annie Reznik, the Coalition’s executive director, said in a statement. “Our hope is that this waiver will not only inspire more veterans to apply to Coalition schools, but also convey that our members greatly value their service to our country, and now want to serve them. Plus, with their excellent track record of supporting students — and the graduation rates to prove it — Coalition schools are truly smart college choices for veterans.”

The application platform launched last fall. Coalition schools provide substantial support to underrepresented students, offer responsible student financial aid support, and demonstrate a commitment to student graduation.

More than 130 public and private colleges have joined the group so far.

Learn more about the upcoming fee waiver for veterans and US service members.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.