GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information about VA educational benefits, please visit the official Veteran Affairs website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. The VA determines student eligibility to receive educational benefits. Students should apply for their VA educational benefit electronically by utilizing the Vets.gov (https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/) or eBenefits (https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage) websites. Students will fall into one of two categories: “Initiating VA benefits for the First Time” or “Resuming VA Benefits”.
Certification depends upon a student’s VA determined eligibility, enrollment status and program of approved study. To verify that a non-college degree (NCD) is approved for VA benefits, students can visit WEAMS https://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchCountryCriteria.do. This website has a search filter from which students can look up Villanova University to see a list of approved Non-College Degree (NCD) Programs.
At Villanova, Veteran certifications are processed within the Office of the Registrar by a School Certifying Official (SCO). SCO contact information is provided at http://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/enroll/registrar/veterans.html. Students should notify their CPS Program Coordinator or online Student Success Representative of any enrollment changes.
If a student would like to check on the status of their application, remaining entitlement, or any other general questions, they should contact the Department of Veteran Affairs educational hotline: 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (1-888-442- 4551) or submit a question electronically through Ask VA at https://ask.va.gov/. Villanova personnel cannot provide advisement or counseling related to Veteran benefits.
Military members who are eligible for Military Tuition Assistance (TA) can use TA for approved NCD courses. TA can lessen a student’s financial concerns considerably, since it now pays up to 100 percent of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. For more information go to https://www.militaryonesource.mil/education-employment/for-service-members/preparing-for-higher-education/how-to-use-the-military-tuition-assistance-program.
In addition, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education and Career Counseling program (Title 38 U.S.C. Chapter 36) offers a great opportunity for transitioning service members and Veterans to get personalized counseling and support to guide their career paths and ensure most effective use of their VA benefits, and achieve their goals.
To determine eligibility and connect with a VA counselor where they will receive this personalized assistance, students should apply here: http://www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-28-8832-ARE.pdf. After the VA receives their application, the VA advises students to schedule a time to meet with counselors. For additional questions or help, students can contact the VA at: 1-800-827-1000 (hearing impaired: 1-800-829-4833).