How To Use Military Benefits for College in California
California residents who served or are dependents of someone who did can use their benefits to reduce or eliminate mandatory tuition and self-service fees.
Veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces often pursue higher education for many reasons. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has multiple military education programs to help former and current service members and qualified dependents earn college degrees without turning to student loans. Students attending California colleges can use these benefits, along with state programs.
California residents with military experience can qualify for the VA education benefit programs, state benefits from the California Department of Veterans Affairs, and veterans education benefits offered by individual schools. Keep reading to learn how to use military benefits for college.
Steps for Using Military Educational Benefits for California College Students
Using federal and state financial aid programs as a veteran can sometimes involve extra steps compared to civilian students. It's important to understand how to use your GI Bill benefits with other types of financial aid programs like college tuition waivers before you try to use them or incur fees that won't be covered.
Understand Your Benefits
Veterans benefits are offered at the federal and state levels, some directly through your school. Not all benefits can be used together and you'll have to make individual selections before collecting benefits.
Additionally, some benefits will change if you have a service-connected disability or if you are a surviving spouse or dependent child of a service member killed in the line of duty. Some benefits programs won't provide the same coverage for members of the California National Guard as they do for other branches of the armed forces.
California State University (CSU) Veterans Service Centers
Throughout the California State University Network, students have access to benefits including the Veterans Success Centers, but some schools call them Veterans Resource Centers. These offices help explain benefit allocations and provide veteran students with organizations and groups of students like them.
California College Fee Waiver (CalVet College Fee Waiver)
The CalVet College Fee Waiver program eliminates tuition costs and mandatory fees for eligible dependents, including dependent children and surviving spouses. Applicants can use one of four plans (Plan A-D) based on their connection to a veteran. All California university in-state residency requirements must be met to qualify for dependents' educational assistance (Chapter 35).
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a newer version of the GI Bill that was originally introduced in the 1940s. This bill provides benefits for veterans and active-duty service members who began their service on or after September 10, 2001. The benefits from this bill can be transferred to eligible dependents. The Post-9/11 GI Bill can be combined with the Yellow Ribbon Program for additional funding or to attend a private school.
Montgomery GI Bill
The Montgomery GI Bill sends monthly stipends directly to students that can be used to cover eligible college costs. The Montgomery GI Bill can't be used with the Yellow Ribbon Program or the Military College Funds to increase these monthly amounts. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to determine which of the two programs is best for you. The Montgomery GI Bill has two versions, one for active-duty service members and the other for selected reserve members.
Check Eligibility
Every state and federal program sets eligibility requirements, so it's important to review all available benefits and which programs are best for you. You'll also need to review the eligibility of your chosen school. Some benefits can only be used at public universities and community colleges, while others can be used for private schools or out-of-state programs.
Apply for Benefits
Applying for benefits can be done through the federal and state VA websites, depending on which benefits you're applying for. Some programs automatically apply to your tuition costs after you fill out and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is submitted every academic year and determines eligibility for federal student aid programs for both civilian and veteran students.
Choose a VA-Approved School
The Principles of Excellence program requires all federally funded universities to accept VA education benefits. Even if the school accepts these benefits, this doesn't mean it will offer additional benefits or services to help service members or dependents of veterans; however, many schools do.
The VA approves individual schools based on multiple factors. These schools not only accept GI Bill programs but go above and beyond in their commitments to helping veterans and their families earn higher educations.
University of California Institutions
There are nine undergraduate University of California campuses located throughout the state that offer veteran-focused benefits. These benefits include priority enrollment and registration and veteran-specific campus services like orientation sessions, and academic, and career counseling.
California State University Institutions
The California State University network includes over 20 campuses and online courses that provide access to the Veteran Success/Resource centers. These offices provide on and off-campus resources to veterans and their families including specialized assistance with school and career services.
California State Polytechnic University Institutions
The California State Polytechnic University network, also called CalPoly, uses priority admission and registration systems to increase the chances of acceptance for veterans. CalPoly also accepts military experience as transfer credits, which can speed up the time it takes to earn a degree and reduce total costs by letting veteran students avoid taking select courses.
Speak With Your School's Veteran's Office
After being accepted, speak with your school's veteran's office. These offices aim to make the college experience easier for veterans and their families. Many counselors and advisors are also veterans who can help you navigate your benefit usage and find additional resources.
Explore Additional Funding
The GI Bills are the most commonly used form of education benefits, but they're not your only option. Explore your additional funding opportunities and see how to maximize your benefits.
Military Scholarships
Some schools and organizations offer military-specific scholarships. These scholarships are designed to reward service members and supplement federal and state funds.
Military Grants
Grants, like scholarships, are free money programs. These programs allow you to receive money you won't have to pay back, unless certain terms are violated, such as ending your time in college. Submitting your FAFSA or similar state documents will help you determine your eligibility for these grants.
Tuition Assistance Programs
Each branch of the military offers tuition assistance programs for active-duty service members. These benefits can be used at public, in-state, or online universities, but they won't be transferable like the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
How Does the Cal Grant Impact My VA Educational Benefits?
The Cal Grant and VA benefits work together. The Cal Grant is applied first and covers mandatory system-wide tuition and student services fees. VA benefits are then used as a last-dollar benefit, meaning they're applied to cover any gap left between your Cal Grant and total tuition and fees costs.