OTC, CFO partner on loan program

Ozarks Technical Community College and Community Foundation of the Ozarks have partnered on a loan program to aid veterans with the costs of higher education.

Through the Veterans Loan Program, veterans enrolled at OTC can apply for an interest-free loan to help with living expenses, according to a news release. OTC spokesman Joel Doepker said funding for the program is being supplied by CFO.

“Due to the large number of veterans enrolled at OTC and applying for their government benefits, the payment of those benefits can be delayed,” CFO President and CEO Brian Fogle said in the release. “This means that not only are their tuition and fee payments delayed, but their living allowance and funds for books and supplies is also delayed.  

"The college can work with them on the tuition and fees, but there is usually nothing that can be done to help with the other costs.”

After the student receives his or her payment on benefits, the funds would be used to pay back the loan, the release said.