Purdue Global becomes first fully online school to receive federal TRIO grant
Grant will fund specialized support services for eligible veteran students
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue Global has been awarded a $1.36 million federal TRIO grant to support military veterans by launching a Veterans Student Support Services program, marking the first time a fully online institution has received the award.
The five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Purdue Global, contracted through Purdue University, runs through September 2030 and will support Purdue Global’s efforts to increase retention and graduation rates for eligible students who are veterans. The total amount of the award is $1,361,820, with 100% of the funding allocated to the Veterans Student Support Services program.
Purdue Global, with a 28% military-affiliated student population, will use the funds to serve up to 120 students who are veterans. According to Barbara Kent, Purdue Global’s director of military student relations and a U.S. Army veteran, services will include academic tutoring, assistance in course selection, financial literacy education, individualized counseling and mentoring programs. Additionally, three new positions will be dedicated to support veterans pursuing their degrees.
“On behalf of Purdue Global’s students who are veterans, we are thrilled to be the first fully online institution to receive this TRIO grant,” Kent said. “The Student Support Services program award is the largest, most competitive of the TRIO grants, so this will have a significant impact on our students.”
The TRIO grant is a significant milestone for online higher education providers like Purdue Global. The Department of Education issued 1,181 Student Support Services Program awards for the current cycle, with 22 specifically designated to serve veterans. In Indiana, Purdue Global received the only award dedicated to veteran services among the 15 total grants across the state.
“This reflects the commitment of Purdue Global’s leadership to serving veterans and supporting them in reaching their academic goals and sets a precedent for meeting the needs of our students in the ever-changing landscape of online education opportunities,” Kent said.
About Purdue Global
Purdue Global is Purdue’s online university for working adults who have life experience and often some college credits. It offers flexible paths for students to earn an associate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, based on their work experience, military service and previous college credits, no matter where they are in their life journey. Purdue Global is a nonprofit, public university accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and backed by Purdue University. For more information, visit https://www.purdueglobal.edu.