LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — The recent elimination of the Overseas Combat Veteran Tuition Program could limit access for many Wyoming veterans to no-cost higher education.

The program provided combat veterans with 10 free semesters at any Wyoming community college and the University of Wyoming. Their spouses and dependents were also eligible.

The university sent an email to more than 60 University of Wyoming program participants telling them about the elimination of the service by the beginning of the next school year.

The program cost the state about $312,000 per year for UW enrollees alone. The statewide program totals were not available.

Officials blame budget cuts for the cutbacks.

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