Military & Veterans

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Questions to Ask for Military/Veterans

Department of Veterans Affairs seal and American flagDoes the program or institution I am looking at qualify for the Department of Veterans Affairs G.I. Bill?

The U.S. Veterans Administration has two tools: one for choosing a college and one comparing G.I. Bill Benefits.

Woman student with a backpackI just transitioned out of the military. Should I fill out a FAFSA Application?

Yes! Individuals transitioning out of the military, regardless of age (under 24), are considered independent students. This, combined with how much money you make each year, might qualify you for financial aid. It is also important to note that any VA disability payment is not considered as income when applying for FAFSA.

Woman in class raising her hand to ask a questionWhat is a Veteran student loan discharge?

For Veterans who are deemed by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be 100% Disabled Total and Permanent (T&P), you can apply for student loan discharge. A total and permanent disability (TPD) discharge relieves you from having to repay a William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loan, a Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program loan, and/or a Federal Perkins Loan or to complete a TEACH Grant service obligation.

Sources and information

Federal Student Aid Information

Closeup of man in fatigues carrying booksMany institutions have special offices dedicated to serving veterans. How does your institution serve veterans and active-duty learners?

Explore the institution's services in support of veteran's and active-duty learners to be sure you can benefit from the full value of the resources on campus.

Tags with American flagDoes the institution have strong veterans support programs? Do they waive tuition for veterans?

Be sure to compare the support programs and tuition waiver information at the institutions in which you are considering enrolling. 

Group of students at a table with computers and notebooksIs there a Student Veterans of America (SVA) Chapter, or other veteran centric organizations on campus?

Visit Student Veterans of America for a list of SVA chapters on college campuses.

Buyer Beware

Certain federal financial aid includes time limitations. Once that time is used up, those grants are no longer available. Be sure to be very clear on this issue.

Never sign any documents for any kind of aid unless you are fully confident you have been given proper information.

Be clear on the contract between the student and the institution. This can show up in a handbook, catalog, or other forms.

You are entering into a contract, and these are the things you need to consider. You do not have to decide in one day. Consider carefully – this is an opportunity to make an informed decision. The contract between the student and the institution is the catalog (institutional promise) and student handbook (student promise/contract). Do not give in to pressure to sign a financial commitment “today.” It is better to walk away than being obligated to debt for which you are unclear.

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