Military and
Veteran Support
We honor your service and pledge to support your education. Learn how to use your GI Bill® benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program at University of Western States.
University of Western States is a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, helping eligible veterans and their families reduce out-of-pocket tuition costs. Learn how this benefit may apply to you below.
“There are too many organizations that forget about how important the service of our men and women is to the security and freedom of the country. I feel that veterans deserve to be recognized and served in a way that is meaningful to them.”
Erich Steinmetz, M.S.
U.S. Navy Veteran
Graduate, University of Western States
Eligibility Requirements
If you are a veteran, member of the reserves, or member of the National Guard, and plan to attend University of Western States, you may be eligible for educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Benefits may also be available to eligible spouses and/or children of veterans. Check your eligibility status by calling 800-827-1000.
To use VA education benefits at University of Western States, you must:
- Be eligible under an approved VA education benefit chapter
- Be admitted to a VA-approved UWS program
- Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Office of the Registrar
Please note that qualifying for VA education benefits is separate from the UWS admissions process. All applicants must meet program-specific admission requirements in addition to applying for VA benefits.
To confirm your eligibility, contact the VA directly at 800-827-1000 or visit VA.gov.
GI Bill® Education Benefits
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 the Office of the Registrar
Additional Resources
Whether you plan to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Montgomery GI Bill®, or another VA education benefit, our team is here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Connect with an Admissions Counselor
Your admissions counselor is your primary point of contact for questions about VA education benefits, program approval, and enrollment steps.
Email: [email protected]
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
Explore Our Programs
University of Western States’ rigorous academic programs prepare you for a career grounded
in whole-person health. Explore our programs below to find the path that’s right for you.
College of Chiropractic
An institutional cornerstone, home to the second oldest chiropractic degree program in the world.
College of Naturopathic Medicine
Training naturopathic physicians to address the root causes of health issues, not only their symptoms.
College of Graduate Studies
Training tomorrow’s practitioners to better support their patient’s or client’s goals and well-being through whole-person health care.
FAQs
University of Western States accepts multiple VA education benefit chapters. Please see the GI Bill Education Benefits section above for a full list of accepted benefits.
The VA determines annual benefit limits and payment amounts. Benefits may include tuition payments made directly to UWS, as well as housing allowances and stipends paid to students. Yellow Ribbon funding is available to eligible students at the 100% benefit level under Chapter 33.
The following programs have been approved for VA education benefits:
- Doctor of Chiropractic
- Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine
- Doctor of Clinical Nutrition
- Ed.D. in Sport and Performance Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine
- M.S. in Sports Medicine
- M.S. in Sport and Performance Psychology
- M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- M.S. in Mental Health
- Graduate Certificate in Clinical Nutrition and Functional Medicine
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Sport Psychology
You can view the list of tuition costs by program on the Tuition and Fees page. A personalized cost of attendance (i.e., VA Shopping Sheet) will be provided after admission and once you have applied for financial aid and/or veteran’s education benefits.
Yes, University of Western States participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We accept an unlimited number of participants and provide an unlimited contribution amount. To qualify, you must be eligible at the 100% benefit rate under Chapter 33.
Once you are accepted, please notify the Office of the Registrar. You will be asked to complete two forms and submit a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility. If you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program, you will also complete a separate application. You must also submit all of your previous transcripts.
At the beginning of every term, the registrar’s office will certify your enrollment with the VA. The university follows the regulations required in section 3679(e) of Title 38 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.
Your monthly housing allowance (MHA) is generally the same as the military basic allowance for housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. Your MHA is based on the zip code for your school. MHA rate adjustments based on BAH increases take effect Aug. 1 (the start of the academic year). The housing allowance is paid at a percentage based on your training time.
UWS offers financial aid packages that may include scholarships, grants, loans, and federal work study. To utilize federal financial aid, students must file a FAFSA each year.
For further information regarding federally funded financial aid, please contact [email protected].
UWS accepts transfer credits, including military credits, so long as the credits satisfy degree requirements. Transfer credits are applied toward courses in a degree program through a review process coordinated by the dean, the registrar and/or program director. Credits may be considered for transfer from other programs or institutions if the originating entity was accredited at the time the credits were earned by the student. View Policy 2007 – Transfer Credits.
How to Apply
To receive education benefits, you must complete the certification process, which can take
up to three months. We recommend getting started as early as possible.
Step 1
Apply for Your VA Education Benefits
Begin by applying for your federal GI Bill education benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(VA) using the Application for VA Education Benefits.
Students applying under Chapter 31 must first meet with a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs counselor.
Step 2
Submit Your Approval to UWS
After you’ve applied for benefits and registered for classes, you will need to submit a copy of your VA approval
to the
Office of the Registrar
.
The registrar’s office will then submit your Verification of Enrollment (VA Form 22-1999) through VA ONCE to
notify the VA that you are enrolled at UWS and requesting benefits.
Step 3
Verify Enrollment Each Month (Chapter 33 Only)
If you are using Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at UWS and receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA)
and/or kicker payment, you must verify enrollment each month to continue receiving payments without delay.
Review all rules regarding enrollment verification and how the verification process works at the
U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you have any questions that have not been answered here,
please contact a UWS veteran services coordinator.
UWS Veteran Services
Call 800-827-1000 for more information about other veteran benefits and services.
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 https://benefits.va.gov/gibill.
UWS Blog
There is always something happening at UWS. Visit our blog to review the latest university news, letters from the president, community updates, and other insightful articles.
