How To Use Military Benefits for College in Florida

All service members can become eligible for military education benefits programs offered by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). On top of that, some state governments implement additional active-duty and veterans benefits programs.

Florida residents who serve in the armed forces can use both federal and state programs to make college more affordable. Students attending Florida colleges, including community colleges and public universities across the state, can qualify. These programs award benefits packages based on length of service, tuition costs, and type of education you are pursuing.

Keep reading to learn how to use military benefits for college.

Steps for Using Military Educational Benefits for Florida College Students

Florida offers multiple educational assistance programs ranging from tuition and fee waivers to more traditional financial assistance, like grants and scholarships. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs enhances federal benefits while providing unique advantages not offered by all states.

Understand Your Benefits

Floridians currently serving or with prior military experience have different educational benefits than service members residing in other states. Due to these differences, it's important to understand your benefits and how to make the most of them. Some factors that impact eligibility include full-time enrollment status, whether you left the service due to a service-connected disability, or whether you received a Purple Heart.

Florida College System Military and Veterans Services

The Florida College System contains 28 community colleges and public universities in the state. These schools offer waivers to active-duty service members and veterans, allowing easier access to higher education. Individual schools have services tailored to veterans and active-duty service members including work-study arrangements, priority enrollment, and advisors with special training to apply your veteran education benefits properly.

State of Florida Veterans Tuition Waiver

Schools in the Florida College System use the Congressman C.W. Bill Young Tuition Waiver Program to waive out-of-state fees for honorably discharged veterans if they reside in Florida. Many state universities require one year or longer in pre-enrollment in-state residency and citizenship to qualify for these rates.

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is an updated version of the GI Bill that provides benefits for military service that started on or after September 10, 2001. This program allows veterans or eligible dependent children and spouses to pay for mandatory school costs like tuition, fees, and supplies. This Bill also includes a housing allowance for eligible students.

Montgomery GI Bill

The Montgomery GI Bill is an older version of the VA educational benefits package. This bill provides benefits based on how an applicant fits into one of four main categories. These categories are based on the length of military service and when service occurred. All four categories require a high school diploma or GED.

Check Eligibility

Most state and federal-based educational benefit programs set rates based on factors like length of service, branch of service, and whether you're a vet or on active duty. You need to confirm you're eligible before applying for any benefits. Additionally, check the eligibility of your benefits at your desired school.

Some schools, such as private universities, won't accept all benefits. Confirm your full eligibility as early as possible to make an informed budget. You should also fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form will determine your eligibility for individual programs at a federal level, but it can also be used for state-based benefits.

Another eligibility factor is your chosen type of education plan. Accredited degree programs and certificate programs will be covered. Make sure you submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to your school to prove you and your family members have access to benefits.

Apply for Benefits

Many financial aid benefits programs aren't automatically applied based on your service. Service members using benefits for the first time must apply for benefits. These benefits are typically approved, but submitting your application as early in the process as possible will help you determine the total amount of benefits you qualify for.

Application Deadline

You can apply online using the form on the VA website at any time, but it generally takes 30 days to process a claim. Each school in the Florida College System has separate application deadlines and dates for financial aid. The VA doesn't set a deadline for applications, but you'll need to ensure that your claim is submitted and processed in time for the school to accept your benefits.

Choose a VA-Approved School

The VA approves certain schools based on their acceptance of benefits and the services that they offer for veterans and active military members. In the Florida college network, 28 schools accept benefits, but three stand out with a special VA approval.

University of Florida (UF)

The University of Florida has a Veterans Affairs office on campus that helps veterans and active-duty service members navigate their benefits. This office can give you a better understanding of your federal and state benefits.

University of Central Florida (UCF)

The Office of Military and Veteran Student Success supports military-connected students and their families, ranging from benefit navigation to academic advisement. They have access to multiple resources on-campus and online, including fact sheets about application dates, what costs are covered by individual packages, and help with budgeting and disability arrangements.

University of South Florida (USF)

USF's Office of Veteran Success has everything veterans need to submit application benefits and academic performance to career counseling services to help veterans prepare for their civilian careers after graduation.

Speak With Your School's Veteran's Office

Most schools have a veteran's office that specializes in the handling of veteran benefits and enrollment. These offices provide information on how to use your benefits at your school and can help you access on-campus groups and resources for academic and career counseling. Veteran's offices are generally free resources for military-connected students.

Explore Additional Funding

VA educational benefits provide funding for up to 100% of tuition costs for qualified military-connected students, but sometimes there will be gaps in coverage. If you need additional funding for your education, there are several options to consider.

Military Scholarships

Members of the U.S. armed forces and their family members can qualify for military scholarships to cover tuition costs. Scholarships are offered by private institutions and organizations to help provide additional funds for college costs. Some schools even offer their own scholarships to veteran students. Speak with your school's financial aid office to learn about your options.

Military Grants

Filing your FAFSA form will help determine your eligibility for grants. These grants can be automatically applied to cover the costs of your college credit hours. Grants are a free money program meaning you won't need to repay them.

Tuition Assistance Programs

Each branch of the United States Armed Forces offers tuition assistance programs for active-duty service members looking to attend college or a university. These programs have unique requirements for eligibility based on your branch.

Who Is Eligible for Florida Exemption of Notary Commission Fees for Disabled Veterans?

Eligibility for the Florida Exemption of Notary Commission Fees is determined by your disability rating from the VA. The VA determines the severity of service-connected disabilities on a scale up to 100%. If your disability rating exceeds 50%, you will qualify for this benefit.