Virginia Military Survivors & Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP)

Provisions of this benefit state that a dependent of a (Virginia) military service member killed, missing in action, taken prisoner, or at least 90 percent disabled may be eligible for benefits. Additional information about the program and eligibility requirements are available at the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) website, http://www.dvs.virginia.gov/veterans-benefits.shtml.

Once declared eligible, the DVS will send us a letter certifying your eligibility and period of eligibility. Report to the Financial Aid Office to have your enrollment completed.

Post-911 GI Bill© Chapter 33 is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.  The service member must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for Post 911 GI Bill©.  Service members may transfer the benefits to their spouses or children.  For additional information on this program, eligibility, and applications visit www.vets.gov.  Once the benefits are approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).  Please provide the VMI Financial Aid Office with a copy of your COE. 

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Public Law 11-32), amends the Post- 911 GI Bill© (Chapter 33) to include the children of active duty service members who die in the line of duty after September 11, 2001.   For additional information on this program, eligibility, and applications visit www.vets.gov.  Once the benefits are approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).  Please provide the VMI Financial Aid Office with a copy of your COE. 

Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program – Chapter 35-  These benefits are for dependents of veterans who dies or are totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability, missing in action (MIA) or taken prisoner (POW).  For additional information on this program, eligibility, and applications visit www.vets.gov.  Once the benefits are approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).  Please provide the VMI Financial Aid Office with a copy of your COE. 

Once declared eligible, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility. You must take your letter of eligibility to the Financial Aid Office in order to complete your enrollment for this program.

Montgomery GI Bill© – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) – Chapter 1606 -  This benefit is for those actively drilling with their guard/reserve unit.  For additional information on this program, eligibility, and applications visit www.vets.gov.  Once the benefits are approved, you will receive a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).  Please provide the VMI Financial Aid Office with a copy of your NOBE. 

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - Eligible students include the son or daughter of a Marine or Navy Corpsman that served with the Marines. They give one-year awards to every eligible student that applies from $1,500 up to $10,000. The website is www.mcsf.org.

The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning. The courses must be offered by schools that are registered in GoArmyEd and are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

In addition to degree programs, TA is available to Soldiers to complete a high school diploma and to complete certificate programs. However, TA will not be approved to complete credentials at the same or a lower educational level. TA is not authorized for programs beyond a master's degree.

All eligible soldiers will request TA through ArmyIgnitED.

By law, officers who use TA incur a service obligation. Active Duty officers incur an Active Duty Service Obligation (ADSO) of two years and Reserve Component officers incur a Reserve Duty Service Obligation (RDSO) of four years. The ADSO/RDSO is calculated from the date of completion of the last course for which TA was used.

PLEASE NOTE:  Deadlines for submission are strictly enforced, so please make sure all submission timelines are checked and followed closely.

How to Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance

The following documents should be uploaded to your e-file:

• Statement of Understanding
• Semester Schedule (with start and end dates)--obtained from Post View
• Program Evaluation (Registered/Pre-Registered version)--obtained from Post View
• Your itemized bill for the current semester (You must request this from Ms. Jimmia Short, Cadet Accounting Office.)

If you have questions contact:

• GoArmyEd at 1-800-817-9990
• Col. Battaglia (Registrar) for questions regarding schedule and program
• Ms. Jimmia Short (Cadet Accounting) for questions regarding bills or payments

The Virginia State Approving Agency (SAA), is the approving authority of education and training programs for Virginia.  Our office investigates complaints of the GI Bill beneficiaries.  While most complaints should initially follow the school grievance policy, if the situation cannot be resolved at the school, the beneficiary should contact our office via email ssa@dvs.virginia.gov.