Stage 1: VA Benefits: The Chapters

The first and most critical step in utilizing VA benefits is identifying your eligible chapter, as this will determine not only what benefits you receive as you attend Thomas Edison State University, but will also determine how tuition is paid.

The VA chapters can be separated into the two major categories.

This category contains the VA chapters under which tuition is paid directly to the University on behalf of the student. They include:

• Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Program)
• Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill^®)

Under these programs, you do not have to pay tuition up-front, but rather, the VA is billed for the cost of tuition.

While financial aid can be used with these chapters, it is not necessary unless you know that 100% of the tuition will not be paid by the VA. Available benefits under these chapters range from housing/living allowances, to book stipends, to possible assistance with school supplies (VR&E only).

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 www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

This category contains VA chapters under which tuition is not paid to the University directly. They include:

• Chapter 1606 (Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve)
• Chapter 1607 (Reserve Educational Assistance Program)
• Chapter 30 (Montgomery-GI Bill)
• Chapter 32 (Veterans' Educational Assistance Program)
• Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents Assistance)

Under these programs, you will be responsible for payment of tuition at the time of registration. The VA will then provide you with a direct entitlement (reimbursement).

Because of this, financial aid is strongly encouraged, as it can minimize the initial out-of-pocket cost. It is also important to note that civilian corporate or work-place educational benefit programs may be able to be used in conjunction with these chapters, further minimizing the out-of-pocket cost.

ACTIVATE: It is during this step that you should follow the directions to activate or change your VA benefits with the VA.

Next, Stage 2: Enrollment »