Another Change to Benefits

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Despite a decrease in the education stipend, veteran enrollment was very high after the Vietnam War.  A contributing reason was an admission policy that allowed veterans that lacked a high school diploma or GED, but showed ability, a chance to enroll.

Brochure, (n.d.). UW Oshkosh Archives and Area Research Center

The Vietnam War proved to be different than all previous conflicts the campus endured. Few men gave up their college deferments to go to war, and for the first time, there was a large group of students who did not support the war effort. And while there were protests on campus, there was no great evidence of the ugliness and disrespect veterans experienced at other schools.

As it had for Korean veterans, the GI Bill paid for Vietnam veterans’ education via a direct stipend, although it had not been adjusted for inflation: amounting only to $175 per month for up to 36 months. Married veterans and veterans with children received more. To make up for the drop in benefits, Wisconsin provided an additional $400 a year. This allowed many veterans to enroll at UW Oshkosh (which still charged no tuition) and afford most of their expenses.

Section 4: The Vietnam War
Another Change to Benefits