Can I receive college credit for my military training?

Any military training you received that may qualify for college credit is evaluated by Western’s Veteran Specialist. While credits earned for military-related training do not factor into the admissions process, the academic content expert for the program may accept some or all of that credit and apply it toward your degree requirements. Provide the Veteran Military Center (VMC) with your official military transcripts, which may be ordered through this website, along with a copy of your DD214 (military discharge document).

Is there a discounted tuition rate for veterans?

Federal and state laws extend the in-state tuition rate to honorably discharged veterans, veteran dependents, and members of the National Guard and Reserve, regardless of their state of residency, provided they are living in Wisconsin while they attend Western. 

Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits are divided into different “chapters.” How do I know which chapter I qualify for?

An outline of the different VA educational benefit chapters may be found toward the bottom of this VA web page. Note that the exact VA education benefit(s) you qualify for (you may qualify for more than one, and will need to decide which one it would be best for you to accept) can only be determined by the VA. However, Western’s Benefit Coordinator can provide assistance.

How many months of VA educational benefits (or entitlement) do I have left?

You can call the VA for an update on entitlement. Call 1-888-442-4551

Do I need to reapply for my VA educational benefits every term?

After your initial term has been completed, you will only need to resubmit a Certification Request survey each term.

What is enrollment verification?

Enrollment verification is a new requirement for Post-9/11 GI Bill® students to verify that they have remained enrolled in the same courses or training every month. Students who receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments will have their payments withheld if they fail to verify or report that they are no longer enrolled in their courses or training. To streamline the process, VA is providing the option to verify enrollment easily and securely via text message.

Learn more about this requirement by visiting the VA's website or viewing this list of enrollment verification FAQs. 

Will VA educational benefits cover the cost of remedial or deficiency courses?

Most VA educational benefit programs (or “chapters”) cover the cost of remedial or deficiency courses, but only if a placement test indicates that you need to take that type of course, or if the course is required as a prerequisite for another course in your program.

What happens if I change my schedule after I submit my certification request form?

Notify the Benefit Coordinator right away via email so your new schedule can be reviewed to make sure the replacement course(s) are applicable to your program. (VA educational benefits only cover courses that fulfill the degree requirements for your program.)

What is the deadline for submitting my Certification Request form?

If you wish to receive federal and state educational benefits, the sooner you submit your form the better. Remember that veterans receive priority registration, so you should be able to arrange and finalize your schedule well in advance.

When do I start to receive my VA educational benefits?

The VA will process your benefits as quickly as possible, but this can take several weeks from the first time you apply. Once you are in the VA system, though – and if you submit your Certification Request Survey before the start of each semester – your benefits should be provided to you continuously (with any monthly stipends paid at the beginning of each month for the prior month attendance). Keep in mind that partial months are paid at a prorated rate. For example, if a fall semester begins on August 26, your BAH payment will only be for the four days between August 26 and August 30 (provided your BAH certification was submitted in advance of August 26).

I qualify for Chapter 33 benefits. When can I expect to receive my textbook stipend and housing allowance?

The textbook stipend is paid as soon as your claim is processed so you should not wait for the stipend to arrive before ordering your textbooks. Keep in mind that partial months are paid at a prorated rate. For example, if a fall semester begins on August 26, your BAH payment will only be for the four days between August 26 and August 30 (provided your BAH certification was submitted in advance of August 26).

How many credit hours do I need to take to be classified as a full-time student?

Western requires students to take a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester to be classified as full-time. However, the 7 week sessions are calculated differently and the VA uses a equivalency calculation to determine rate of pursuit. Call the VA for help with determining your pay. 1-888-442-4551.   

Do I have to maintain a certain GPA to keep my VA educational benefits?

All students utilizing VA educational benefits must maintain certain standards of progress as detailed in Western's student handbook. See: Military Connected Student Procedure If you do not meet Western’s standards of Academic Progress for VA educational benefits, your benefits will be terminated. Students using WI GI Bill® must have a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or above.  

If I fail a class, will I have to pay anything back to the VA?

No, you do not have to pay the VA back if you do not pass a course. You may repeat a course if it is required for your degree program and the VA will pay for it a second time. However, if you drop or withdraw from a class after the deadline for doing so, you will have to pay the VA back if you received money for that course.

How do I drop or withdraw from a class, and will doing so affect my VA educational benefits?

If you need to drop or withdraw from a course, consult Western’s Veteran Benefit Coordinator in SSC RM 122.