ADELPHI, Md. (June 14, 2016) — University of Maryland University College (UMUC) announced today that it has signed an agreement with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services, to offer members, their spouses and dependents more affordable options to complete degrees or pursue higher education at UMUC. Through the three-year agreement, members, their spouses and dependents are eligible for a 25 percent discount on out-of-state tuition rates for most programs.

“UMUC is proud to work with the NVFC through a partnership that will give members, their spouses and dependents the opportunity to complete a degree or pursue higher education,” said UMUC Provost Marie Cini. “Providing access to affordable, high-quality education is important to UMUC, and we look forward to working alongside the NVFC to help its members reach their educational and professional goals.”

Through the partnership, NVFC members, their spouses and dependents can take individual courses or enroll in any of UMUC’s 80+ undergraduate and graduate degree or certificate programs, most of which are available fully online. Students enrolling in UMUC’s undergraduate school may transfer credits from other universities and/or be awarded credit for prior learning if eligible under UMUC’s standard policies and procedures.

“More educational opportunities, especially those that can be completed online, is the number one request we receive from our members,” said NVFC Chairman Kevin D. Quinn. “We are pleased to partner with UMUC to enable more volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and their families access to the many educational programs the university has to offer. We thank UMUC for their support of the boots on the ground volunteers.”

About University of Maryland University College

University of Maryland University College (UMUC), headquartered in Adelphi, Maryland, is the largest public, online university in the United States, serving 82,000 students and offering 95 certificate, undergraduate and graduate programs online and on-site. UMUC takes pride in its 67-year history of service to the military and currently enrolls an estimated 50,000 military service members, veterans, and their dependents each year. The university offers face-to-face instruction at 20 locations throughout Maryland and educational services in 28 countries and territories and more than 150 locations worldwide, including the Middle East. UMUC is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland, an agency of the State of Maryland.

About the NVFC

 The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides invaluable resources, programs, education, and advocacy for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org.

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