The VMI Financial Aid Office is thrilled you are interested in attending VMI and we want to be part of your journey towards completing a degree at our storied Institute.

VA Education Benefits may be one of your funding options based on your enrollment application. The information at the links on this page should help you to apply for the benefit(s) for which you qualify, while also giving you more information regarding the benefit(s). You may also contact our support staff directly with any specific questions. We are ready to assist you in finding the best financial aid package and options for your specific needs and circumstances.

In-State Tuition Qualification

In compliance with the Veteran Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Section 702), VMI grants in-state tuition to veterans and their dependents who qualify under the Code. Virginia Code also provides for granting in-state tuition to certain military-related students.

Utilizing VA Benefits at VMI

UPDATED PROCESS: A completed VMI VA Certification Request form is required at the start of every term by all who plan to use any VA benefits while at VMI. Please complete this form online, which will automatically be sent to vetbenefits@vmi.edu.

GI Bill® Information

This institution is approved to offer GI Bill® educational benefits by the Virginia State Approving Agency.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 

If you have not yet applied to VMI, we encourage you to connect with our admissions team who can guide you through the process and address specific questions such as requirements and considerations for current members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

 

Resources and Programs

NOTE: Be sure to use the VMI Financial Aid Secured BOX Upload to submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and/or Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) as referenced in the programs below. Do NOT email this document.

Virginia-Based Programs

Virginia Military Survivors and Dependents Education Program (VMSDEP) - A Commonwealth of Virginia program that provides education benefits to spouses and children of qualifying veterans. 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. 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.

Choice Act VA - Those covered under a GI Bill program or the Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program may be able to get in-state tuition rates at a public school even if they haven’t lived in the state where the school is located.

Federal Programs

Post-911 GI Bill© Chapter 33 - A program that helps eligible students pay for school depending on how many qualifying periods of active duty were 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).

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 VA.gov. Once the benefits are approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (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).

Montgomery GI Bill© – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) – Chapter 1606 - The Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) program offers up to 36 months of education and training benefits for qualified students This benefit is for those actively drilling with their guard/reserve unit.  For additional information on this program, eligibility, and applications visit www.va.gov. Once the benefits are approved, you will receive a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation - One-year awards are given to every eligible student - the son or daughter of a Marine or Navy Corpsman that served with the Marines - that applies from $1,500 up to $10,000.

 

Federal Tuition Assistance

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
• Lt. Col. Michelle M. Murphy (Interim Associate Registrar) for questions regarding schedule and program.
• Ms. Jimmia Short (Cadet Accounting) for questions regarding bills or payments

 

Grievance Procedures

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. 

 

Contacts and Support