Benefits Programs

In order to receive veterans educational benefits, students must certify enrollment with the University and with Veterans Affairs (if required). Follow the links below to certify enrollment. For assistance or information regarding benefits not listed, contact the University's veterans services coordinator.
In Person: Welcome Center, room 118
318 North Sixth Street
Terre Haute, Indiana
Phone: 1-800-GO-TO-ISU
Email: veterans@indstate.edu

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill^®
— Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
— Certify with VA (each month): VA form

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation
— Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
— Certify with VA: not currently required

Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill^®
— Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
— Certify with VA (each month):VA Form

Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program
— Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
— Certify with VA: not currently required

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill^® Selected Reserve
— Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
— Certify with VA (each month): VA form

_{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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.} 

The University has formed a partnership with the Community College of the Air Force. As a result, CCAF students and graduates are eligible for special transfer programs, including bachelor degree-completion programs offered on the Indiana State University campus and via online learning.

Benefits include:

• Financial aid programs
• Maximum credit transfer
• Streamlined advisement
• Transfer scholarships

Of special note are bachelor degree-completion programs offered entirely via online learning in the following areas:

• Adult and Career Education
• Human Resource Development
• Technology Management

For details, visit the University's Transfer Central.

Overview

• You may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® (Chapter 33) if you served on active duty after September 11, 2001.
• Benefits are prorated based upon the number of credit hours you choose to enroll in.
• You must be degree seeking (have a declared major), or be an Open Preference student, not to exceed two semesters. (Note: For certificates, endorsements, and licensure programs, check with the VA for approval.)
• If you are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you may be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
• If you think you may be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, you should apply. Instructions are provided below. Upon receipt of your application, Veterans Affairs will review your file and notify you regarding your eligibility, typically within 8-10 weeks.

Note: In addition to applying for veterans educational benefits, our office recommends that all ISU students completing degrees (or pursing required teacher certifications), complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 10 each year to ensure that they will be considered for all possible types of funding, including state and federal financial aid, loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Benefits

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible applicants. For details on benefits, visit Veterans Affairs .

Note: For many eligible participants, the Post-9/11 GI Bill^® is a better alternative than other education benefit programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill^®—Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill^®—Selected Reserve, and the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP). However, this decision depends on several factors, including the type of education or training you plan to take and the amount of benefits received under each program. For further information, visit the VA Benefit Comparison Tool.

Timeline

To avoid a delay in acquiring your benefits, the process should begin 12 weeks before classes begin.

How To Apply for Education Benefits

For instructions and on-line application, go to:

• Post-9/11 GI Bill ^®
  Department of Veterans Affairs

Upon receipt of your application, Veterans Affairs will issue a VA Claim Number.

Enrollment Certification

In order to receive veterans educational benefits, students must certify enrollment.

• Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
• Certify with VA: not currently required

Report Change in Major/Program

Students must report a change in major or program by contacting the Office of Registration and Records at (812) 237-2020. Failure to report a change in major or program may result in delay or loss of payment of educational benefits.

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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Overview

• You may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill^® Active Duty (MGIB-AD/Chapter 30) if you entered active duty after June 30,1985 and did not decline the Montgomery GI Bill^® or if you meet other categories for eligibility. For clarification, visit Veterans Affairs or call 1-888-GI-BILL-1.
• Benefits are prorated based upon the number of credit hours you choose to enroll in.
• Benefits must be certified on a monthly basis.
• You must be degree seeking (have a declared major), or be an Open Preference student, not to exceed two semesters. (Note: For certificates, endorsements, and licensure programs, check with the VA for approval.)
• If you think you may be eligible for this benefit, you should apply (instructions are listed below). Upon receipt of your application, Veterans Affairs will review your file and notify you regarding your eligibility, typically within 8-10 weeks.

Note: In addition to applying for veterans educational benefits, our office recommends that all ISU students completing degrees (or pursing required teacher certifications), complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 10 each year to ensure that they will be considered for all possible types of funding, including state and federal financial aid, loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Benefits

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible applicants.

Timeline

To avoid a delay in acquiring your benefits, the process should begin 12 weeks before classes begin.

How To Apply For Education Benefits

For instructions and on-line application, go to:

• Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
  Department of Veterans Affairs

Upon receipt of your application, Veterans Affairs will issue a VA Claim Number. The benefit is paid to you. You are responsible for paying Indiana State University.

Enrollment Certification

In order to receive veterans educational benefits, students must certify enrollment.

• Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
• Certify with VA (each month): VA form

Report Change in Major/Program

Students must report a change in major or program by contacting the Office of Registration and Records at (812) 237-2020. Failure to report a change in major or program may result in delay or loss of payment of educational benefits.

_{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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.}

Overview

You may be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill^® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR/Chapter 1606) if you meet the following:

• You must be in a Guard or Reserve unit with a 6 year obligation.
• You must complete Initial Active Duty Training.
• You must maintain a Selective Reserve Status and remain in good status. (Note: If you no longer maintain selective reserve status, you may be eligible if you were a member of a reserve component who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 for a period of 90 days or more under a contingency operation.)
• You must be degree seeking (have a declared major), or be an Open Preference student, not to exceed two semesters. (Note: For certificates, endorsements, and licensure programs, check with the VA for approval.)
• For details and exceptions, visit Veterans Benefits or call 1-888-442-4551.
• In addition to Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) benefits, Army and Air National Guard members may eligible for the National Guard Supplemental Grant, which pays for tuition. This benefit is provided by the state of Indiana and is in addition to benefits provided by the Veterans Administration. For eligibility requirements and instructions, visit the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Division of Student Financial Aid.

Note: In addition to applying for veterans educational benefits, our office recommends that all ISU students completing degrees (or pursing required teacher certifications), complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 10 each year to ensure that they will be considered for all possible types of funding, including state and federal financial aid, loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Benefits

This program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible applicants. Eligibility is determined by the Selected Reserve components. Veterans Affairs makes the payments for this program.

How To Apply for Education Benefits

For instructions and on-line application, go to:

• Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
  Department of Veterans Affairs

Enrollment Certification

In order to receive veterans educational benefits, students must certify enrollment.

• Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
• Certify with VA (each month): VA form

Report Change in Major/Program

Students must report a change in major or program by contacting the Office of Registration and Records at (812) 237-2020. Failure to report a change in major or program may result in delay or loss of payment of educational benefits.

_{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 Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.} 

Overview

You may be eligible for the Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA/Chapter 35) Program if you meet the following:

• You are the son, daughter, or spouse of a veteran who is permanently and totally disabled or died as a result of military service.
• If you are a son or daughter, you must be between the ages of 18 and 26 (some exceptions apply); marriage does not bar benefits.
• You must be degree seeking (have a declared major) or be an Open Preference student, not to exceed two semesters. (Note: For certificates, endorsements, and licensure programs, check with the VA for approval.)
• For details and exceptions, visit VA Survivors and Dependents Assistance.
• If you think you may be eligible for this benefit, you should apply. Instructions are provided below. Upon receipt of your application, Veterans Affairs will review your file and notify you regarding your eligibility, typically within 8-10 weeks.

Note: In addition to applying for veterans educational benefits, our office recommends that all ISU students completing degrees (or pursing required teacher certifications), complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 10 each year to ensure that they will be considered for all possible types of funding, including state and federal financial aid, loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Benefits

This program provides up to 45 months of education benefits to eligible applicants.

How To Apply for Education Benefits

For instructions and on-line application, go to:

• Survivors and Dependents Assistance
  Department of Veterans Affairs

Enrollment Certification

In order to receive veterans educational benefits, students must certify enrollment.

• Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form
• Certify with VA: not currently required

Report Change in Major/Program

Students must report a change in major or program by contacting the Office of Registration and Records at (812) 237-2020. Failure to report a change in major or program may result in delay or loss of payment of educational benefits.

Students who might be covered under the Veterans' portion of the CVO program include:

• Children of Purple Heart recipients or Wounded veterans
• Children of deceased or disabled veterans
• Children of Soldiers/Sailors Home
• Child/Spouse of deceased police officer or firefighter killed in the line of duty
• Child/Spouse of permanently disable state trooper
• Child/Spouse of paramedic, emergency medical technician, or advanced emergency medical technician killed in the line of duty

Some program restrictions apply, and financial assistance is limited to a maximum of 124 credit hours.

Eligibility

• The parent either listed Indiana as home of record at the time of enlistment in the armed forces of the United States OR resided in Indiana at least five (5) years before the student first applies for this tuition and fee exemption.
• Proof of residency may be requested by the Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs.
• The student must be the biological child or legally adopted dependent child of the veteran.
• Must be fully admitted as a degree-seeking student in an undergraduate or graduate program at Indiana State.
• The student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• The student must have a current, official Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file.
• Students must file a FAFSA at least 30 days prior to the end of the academic term. The Commission will notify applicants and institutions of any edits that prevent a student from being offered or using the tuition and fee exemption programs.

How To Apply

• The student must submit a one-time application in ScholarTrack. Applications will be routed for review with the following:
  • Child or Spouse of Indiana National Guard by Indiana National Guard
  • Child or Spouse of a Public Safety Officers by Commission for Higher Education
  • Child of Disabled Veteran or Child or Purple Heart Recipients by Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs
  • Former Student of Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Children's Home by Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs
  • Indiana Purple Heart Recipients by Indiana Department of Veterans' Affairs
• For summer semester information and requirements - click here.

Faxed documents will not be accepted. If there are questions about eligibility for this program, the student should contact:

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs
302 W. Washington Street, Rm. E-120
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Voice: (317) 232-3910 or (800) 400-4520
Fax: (317) 232-7721
http://www.in.gov/veteran

Amount

The Child of Disabled Veteran fee remission pays up to 100% of regularly assessed tuition and fees at the undergraduate rate. In other words, graduate and professional students may use the CVO benefit, but will only be paid at the undergraduate rate per credit hour.

This award is capped at 124 credit hours. In general, students must use this award within eight years after the date of initial application.

Additional Resources

For further information about how these grants work specifically at ISU, refer to this CVO Program Summary.

For eligibility requirements in full detail, as determined by the state of Indiana, visit https://www.in.gov/che/state-financial-aid/state-financial-aid-by-program/

Overview

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VRE/Chapter 31) Program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for careers. A variety of services are provided, including educational benefits. For detailed information on eligibility and services, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program.

Note: This program is authorized by Congress under Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 31. It is sometimes referred to as the Chapter 31 program.

How To Apply for Education Benefits

For instructions and on-line application, go to:

• Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
  Department of Veterans Affairs

Once eligibility is established with the VA, the veteran is scheduled to meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor for a comprehensive evaluation to determine if he/she is entitled to services.

Please Note

In addition to applying for veterans educational benefits, our office recommends that all ISU students completing degrees (or pursing required teacher certifications), complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 10 each year to ensure that they will be considered for all possible types of funding, including state and federal financial aid, loans, grants, and work-study programs.

Enrollment Certification

Once a veteran is approved to receive educational benefits, the veteran must certify enrollment with ISU each semester in order to receive educational benefits.

• Certify with ISU (each semester): ISU form

Report Change in Major/Program

Veterans must report a change in major or program by contacting the Office of Registration and Records at (812) 237-2020. Failure to report a change in major or program may result in delay or loss of payment of educational benefits.

Return of Military Tuition Assistance
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the
student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a
student withdraws or drops, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA
funds originally awarded.
To comply with the Department of Defense policy, Indiana State University will return any
unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60% portion of the period for
which the funds were provided. TA funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment
period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These
funds are returned to the military Service branch.
If a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, Indiana State
University will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result
in a student debt for the returned portion.

Calculation
When a student “officially” withdraws from a course(s), either by officially dropping the
course(s), or by processing an official withdrawal for the term, the date of withdrawal will be
used as the last date of attendance.
For unofficial course drops or withdrawals, Indiana State University will determine the last
date of attendance based on instructor information provided at the time of grade
submission. For online courses, the instructor information will be based on the last date a
student made a substantive contribution to the class or submitted an assignment.
Once the last day of attendance has been determined, Indiana State University will
recalculate TA eligibility based on the following formula:
Number of days completed / Total days of the course = percent earned.
Note:
“Number of days completed” is defined as “start date to last date attended”.
“Total days of the course” is defined as “start date to end date, with the educational
institution’s week of instruction counted as 7 days”.

Return of funds
Determining eligibility for TA is class specific. The start and end date will be used for each
class to determine eligibility. Using the formula above, Indiana State University will be
required to return some or all of the TA awarded to service members that did not complete
at least 60% of each course, possibly creating a balance on the Indiana State University
student account.