Overview
This article guides students—particularly veterans and military-affiliated learners—through the process of applying for and using VA education benefits. It explains each step, from completing the initial application and submitting a Certificate of Eligibility to working with Veterans Certifying Officials to ensure enrollment is properly certified.
Understanding the Process
Initial Application
- The first step is for the student to apply for education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- For help with this process, contact the Veterans Resource Center.
- Once approved, produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to Registration and Academic Records before the start of classes.
Certification Process
- Once a student is eligible for military educational benefits, they must immediately contact the Veterans Certifying Officials in Registration and Academic Records.
- They handle certification for these benefit programs:
- Chapter 30 – Active Duty
- Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment
- Chapter 33 – Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 – Dependents and Survivors
- Chapter 1606 – Selected Reserve
- Deadline: Submit all required materials before the end of the first week of class to meet certification timelines.
- Important: Respond promptly to any requests for information to avoid delays.
Veteran Registration Holds
- After certification, a hold is placed on your current term registration to ensure any schedule changes are properly certified.
- This hold does not block future term registration (it’s overridden for that).
Note: Eligible persons are reminded that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will not pay benefits for repeated or audited courses. In addition, benefits for short courses--those that do not meet for the entire term--will be paid for only the days that the class meets.
More Resources
Still Need Help?
Contact Registration and Academic Records.