Veterans Benefits

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 Veterans’ Administration. Benefits may also be available to eligible spouses and/or children of veterans. Check your eligibility status by calling 800-827-1000.

University of Western States is proud to support eligible veterans through its continued participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

How to Apply

Certification Required
To receive education benefits you must be certified, a process that can take up to three months. Your first step is to go to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) website and apply for your federal GI Bill® education benefits utilizing their Veteran On-line Application (VONAPP). Applicants for Chapter 31 must meet with a US Department of Veterans Affairs counselor.

Once you have applied for benefits and registered for classes, you will need to submit a copy of your approval to the office of the registrar. The office of the registrar will then issue a Verification of Enrollment (VA Form 22-1999) via VA ONCE to inform the VA that you are enrolled at University of Western States and requesting education benefits.

If you have any questions that have not been answered here, please contact the UWS veteran services coordinator.

UWS Veteran Services Coordinator:
Michelle Dodge, 503-251-5710, [email protected]

Call 800-827-1000 for more information about other veteran benefits and services.

FAQ

Who are the veteran services coordinators at UWS?

The veteran services coordinators is Michelle Dodge. Please contact her with any questions regarding your veterans benefits.

Michelle Dodge
Veteran’s Certifying Official
503-251-5731
[email protected]

Where do I start?

Your first step should be to check your eligibility status by calling 800-827-1000. You can also apply at the Veterans Online Application (VONAPP). Once you have applied for your education benefits through the Veterans Administration, then return the necessary paperwork to the university’s veteran’s services coordinator, Michelle Dodge. To contact her, email [email protected] or call 503-251-5710.

Which veterans educational benefits are covered at UWS?

University of Western States accepts the following VA educational 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 (DEAP)
  • Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve

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.

Which programs can I use my benefits for at UWS?

The following programs have been approved for VA educational benefits:

  • Doctor of Chiropractic
  • MS in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
  • MS Sports Medicine
  • MS Sport and Performance Psychology
  • EdD Sport and Performance Psychology
  • MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • EdD Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Sport and Performance Specialization
  • Certificate – Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine
  • Certificate – Applied Sport Psychology
  • Certificate – Positive Leadership and Administration
  • Certificate – Sports Nutrition

Does University of Western States participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Yes, University of Western States participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We accept an unlimited amount of participants and offer an unlimited contribution amount. To qualify, you must be at 100 percent benefit rate under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

What do I need to do after I am accepted at University of Western States?

Once you are accepted you will need to contact the office of the registrar’s to let us know. We have two forms for you to fill out and we will need a copy of your educational benefits letter. If you are eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program, we will have you fill out that separate application. Also, you will need to submit all of your previous transcripts.

What happens after I start at University of Western States?

At the beginning of every term, the registrar’s office will certify your enrollment in VA-Once. The first term takes a little longer for you to obtain funding, but it will happen! The university follows the regulations required in section 3679(e) of Title 38 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.

How does monthly housing allowance work?

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 increases based on BAH increases are effective August 1 (the beginning date of the academic year). The housing allowance is paid at a percentage based on your training time.

VA.GOV Resources

The va.gov website is a great resource for general veteran’s benefits. The site includes information about:

  • Burial and memorial benefits
  • Health benefits and services
  • Life insurance program and compensation and pension benefits
  • Vocational rehabilitation and employment services
  • Home loan guaranty services

Call 800-827-1000 for more information about other veteran benefits and services.