University of Western States accepts a wide range of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits that can help cover tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students. Depending on your chapter of eligibility, benefits may include direct tuition payments to the university, monthly housing allowances, and book stipends.
The VA determines annual benefit amounts and payment rates. Tuition payments are typically made directly to UWS, while housing allowances and stipends are paid to the student. Payments are based on enrollment level and are prorated for partial months of attendance.
UWS Accepts the Following VA Education Benefits
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty
- Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
- Chapter 32: Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35: Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
- Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve
- Be eligible under an approved VA education benefit chapter
- Be admitted to a VA-approved UWS program
- Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to UWS Military Benefits at [email protected]
VA Benefits Enrollment Verification
University of Western States’ School Certifying Official will verify your enrollment and submit the necessary enrollment certification to the VA. The School Certifying Official cannot certify enrollment unless you are registered for courses. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
Yellow Ribbon Program
University of Western States is proud to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, a federal initiative designed to help eligible veterans pursue higher education with less financial stress.
At UWS, the VA and the university share the cost of any remaining tuition and fees not covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. This means UWS contributes funding that is matched by the VA to help cover the remaining balance—significantly reducing or potentially eliminating out-of-pocket tuition expenses for eligible students.
Who Is Eligible?
- You may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program if you qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level and meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Served at least 36 months on active duty and were honorably discharged
- Received a Purple Heart on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged
- Served at least 30 continuous days after Sept. 11, 2001, and were discharged due to a service-connected disability
- Are currently on active duty and have completed at least 36 months of service
- Are a spouse using transferred benefits from a qualifying service member
- Are a dependent child using transferred benefits from a qualifying veteran
- Are a Fry Scholar
VA Benefits and Transition Act Protections
Students who have submitted a valid certificate of eligibility or VAF 28-1905 may attend courses for no less than 90 days after submission while the VA processes payment. Students will not be charged any late fees due to delays with VA payments, provided the student remains eligible for benefits. Students who do not receive 100% entitlement will need to secure an alternate payment method.
Still Have Questions?
Navigating financial aid as an international student involves more moving parts than it does for domestic students, and we want to make sure you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Whether you have questions about scholarship eligibility, private loan options, or how your visa status interacts with your funding, our financial aid team is here to help.