Plan gives free college tuition to Utah veterans

A partnership between the federal government and higher education will give up to 100 of Utah's post-9/11 veterans a free education at Westminster College.

Under the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program, colleges and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will split tuition costs for eligible veterans.

Westminster is one of the first schools to participate in the program.

Though the program could cost the small liberal arts school more than $1 million each year, Westminster's vice president of enrollment services Joel Bauman says the school considers the money a small investment that promises a big return.

Bauman says students who bring real-world experience to the classroom enrich the learning environment and experience for all students.