How To Use Military Benefits for College in Virginia

If you are an active-duty service member or veteran in Virginia, military benefits can provide financial assistance to help cover education-related fees for college.

Military educational benefits, such as the GI Bill, state and federal tuition assistance programs, and other funding opportunities, aim to make higher education more accessible for veterans, active-duty students, and their families.

As a student, you can use military benefits for college, so you can earn your degree and pursue your career goals both during and after your time on active duty. Continue reading to learn more about using these benefits at Virginia colleges.

Steps for Using Military Educational Benefits for Virginia College Students

Military students should consider several steps to cover their tuition costs. By following these steps, you can lower your education expenses and even have your tuition fully covered.

Understand Your Benefits

Understanding the different benefits and tuition assistance programs available is an essential step when planning to attend college in Virginia as a military student.

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

The Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) is an educational benefit for military spouses and children of service members who were killed, are missing in action, or are more than 90% disabled as a result of military service. For eligible students, the program's tuition and fee waiver can cover up to eight semesters of college costs at public schools in Virginia.

Virginia National Guard Tuition Assistance Program

In-state students who have been actively serving in the National Guard for at least two years can receive state-based financial support through the Virginia National Guard Tuition Assistance Program. The benefit provides up to $7,000 each year in tuition assistance and can only be used at accredited non-profit schools with campuses in Virginia.

Virginia Tuition Assistance Program for Veterans

Virginia also has opportunities for veterans to receive tuition assistance. The Choice Act offers in-state tuition rates to support veterans' education even if they aren't permanent state residents. Qualifying students can use the Choice Act, in combination with other veteran education benefits, to pursue higher education after their time on active duty.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits for veterans, current military service members, and eligible family members for tuition and living expenses while they pursue their education. If you qualify, meaning you have served on active duty for at least three years, were discharged due to a military-related injury, or received a Purple Heart, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can help you pay for your college education.

The bill also offers qualifying students a monthly housing allowance and a stipend for books and supplies. If you are a military student attending a private school, the Post-9/11 GI Bill can provide up to $28,937 yearly to help with your tuition expenses. However, if you decide to attend an in-state public institution you can have your tuition and fees fully covered by the bill.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill helps veterans and active-duty service members pay for various educational programs, including college degrees, technical and vocational courses, apprenticeships, and flight training. To qualify for Montgomery GI Bill benefits, you must have served at least two years of active duty.

The amount of assistance you receive will depend on several factors, such as the type of education program you choose, your enrollment status, and your length of service. For example, full-time military students can receive up to $2,358 monthly in financial assistance through the Montgomery GI Bill.

Check Eligibility

Each military benefit program has its eligibility criteria. The amount of assistance you qualify to receive is based on factors like how long you served, the program you are attending, or the branch you were a part of.

For instance, to qualify for education benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill, a minimum of two years of active-duty service is required. Meanwhile, eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits is determined by your length of service, with partial benefits available after 90 days and full benefits after three years.

Apply for Benefits

Once you understand the different programs and gather the necessary documents, such as a Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Notice of Basic Eligibility, or Certificate of Eligibility, you can apply for military and VA education benefits.

To do this, you can fill out the application form on the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. You can access more information and find application materials on the Virginia Department of Veterans Services' website.

Application Deadline

There isn't a general application deadline for military benefits and you can apply anytime during or after serving, however, some programs are time-sensitive. If you have a service-related disability, you should apply within 12 years of being discharged to receive benefits like the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.

Additionally, some schools offering their unique benefit programs may require you to apply before attending.

Choose a VA-Approved School

Choosing a VA-approved school will ensure you use your benefits to their full potential. These military-friendly universities offer resources and support services for students serving, or who previously served, on active duty.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia (UVA) provides veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with resources to help them succeed. Their military educational benefits staff are available to offer guidance on financial aid, VA benefits, and tuition assistance programs so that military student can maximize their benefits.

UVA participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and the Choice Act, which qualifies out-of-state students for tuition assistance and in-state tuition rates.

George Mason University

George Mason University (GMU) is known for its military student support, making it a great choice for veterans and service members. The university's Office of Military Services can help you utilize your GI Bill benefits, the Yellow Ribbon Program, and other military-based financial aid programs.

GMU also offers career resources and academic advising for military students throughout their program, as well as priority registration and course flexibility to accommodate their schedules.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) has comprehensive services and resources for military students, including a lower tuition rate for qualifying service members. The Military Connection Center at ODU provides application and admissions assistance to help military-affiliated students get the most out of their benefits which can help them lower their tuition expenses.

Speak With Your School's Veteran's Office

To make sure you're making the most of all the military education benefits you qualify for, it's a good idea to speak to your school's veteran's office. The staff can help you determine the best way to use your benefits and guide you toward additional financial aid opportunities and resources for military students.

Explore Additional Funding

Additional funding opportunities, such as scholarships, grants, and tuition assistance programs, are another way to lower your education expenses as a military student.

Military Scholarships

Many schools, organizations, and branches of the military offer support for veterans and military members working toward a degree. Military scholarships can cover part or all of your tuition costs. If you are serving or have served in any branch of the military you could be eligible for a scholarship to help fund your college education in Virginia.

Military Grants

Similar to scholarships, military grants can help you pay for your education. They can be offered through the FAFSA, Veteran organizations, state programs, and even your chosen school.

Tuition Assistance Programs

Aside from Virginia's state-based tuition assistance programs, there are several other programs available that help military students pay for college tuition. The Yellow Ribbon Program provides tuition support for students attending out-of-state schools to help with education costs that weren't covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

The Tuition Assistance (TA) program is only available to those currently serving in the military. It is an education benefit that offers up to $4,500 per year or $250 per credit hour to help cover tuition costs. If TA doesn't cover all your tuition expenses, qualifying students can use the VA's Top-Up Program to cover their remaining education costs.

Can You Use VA Benefits and FAFSA?

Yes, you can combine VA benefits and the FAFSA to pay for college in Virginia. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can qualify you for additional funding like federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. Federal aid can be combined with your military and VA benefits to reduce your expenses further and maximize your support so you can pursue your goals.