The following is an archived video story. The text content of that video story is available below for reference. The original video has been deleted and is no longer available.

UWF waives academic fees for active duty military

ESCAMBIA COUNTY   --  Big savings for active duty military at the University of West Florida.
The university is waiving academic fees that used to be covered by a Tuition Assistance program.

This new policy will affect more a hundred active duty military students at UWF.

How this waiver will help students.
Right now, the University of West Florida is the only University in Florida waiving these fees. The university prides itself in being a military-friendly place. and this is just one way the university shows its appreciation for active duty military and veterans.

Senior Holly Cannell knows how difficult it is to balance being  active in the military and school. Cannell is a veteran, but was a part-time student while active in the Navy.

Recently, the US Navy made changes to its tuition assistance program. The program still pays for tuition, but doesn't cover any additional fees the university can tack on.

Holly Cannell, Veteran
"When you're taking 4 credit hours it becomes a burden on you as an active duty member to have that extra money that has to come out of your paycheck"

Cannell knows every penny counts when you're a college student.
With the university's new policy--- active duty students taking four classes will save more than 700-dollars.

"That's probably about 7 books right there which are ultra expensive"
Amila West
"You don't have time to get an extra job so it can be difficult"

The university hopes this will encourage more active duty military members to attend college.

"I think more colleges should do that to wanna go to school"
Jenise Fernandez
This new policy will go into effect this summer.    
Over 80 people have weighed in on this story on our Facebook page.

Diana comments  Kudos to UWF for stepping up and taking care of our military, but it is sad that they have to and that their government has turned their back on these heroes.

Meanwhile Liz writes  "Where are they going to make up the difference at? You don't just say let's give these ones a break if you're not getting the money to make up the difference somewhere else.

Join the conversation at facebook.com/weartv