Veterans Benefits

Veterans Educational Benefits
Thank you for your service!
 
Southwest University is approved to certify students in Associate, Bachelors and Masters Degree Programs funded by various GI Bill programs, administered by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA).
 

 
Educational Eligibility Benefits
For assistance through the VA process, contact our Admissions Office, admissions@southwest.edu, 1.800.433.5923 or 1.504.468.2900.
 
Also, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs, www.gibill.va.gov, or call 1.888.442.4551 or 1.800.827.1000, concerning eligibility for VA Educational Benefits.
 
Prior to the passage of the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017, most VA programs allowed veterans ten (10) years from the date of separation listed on the Military Discharge (DD214) to use their Veterans Benefits, unless that veteran was unable to attend due to a documented mental or physical disability, or reentry into active duty.
 
Some of the "Forever GI Bill" changes became effective the day the law was signed, some take effect in the future.
 
The 15-year time limitation for using Post-9/11 GI Bill - the 15-year limitation to use benefits is removed for Veterans who left active duty on or after January 1, 2013, children who became eligible for the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) on or after January 1, 2013, and all Fry Scholarship eligible spouses.
 
GI Bill users whose schools have abruptly closed since January 2015, for credits earned at institutions that did not transfer to new schools. Benefits will be restored to these victims. A semester's worth of reimbursement for GI Bill users affected by future school closures, and up to four months of housing stipend.
 
To ensure that you have the correct information regarding benefits, go to www.va.gov for assistance. Call 888.442.4551, the number for the department that can answer questions on qualifying for the various entitlement categories.
 

 
Application Process
All admission requirements must be completed and the VA recipient (veteran) must be a registered student at Southwest University before he/she will be certified for VA benefits. Payment of tuition and fees is part of the enrollment process. A student is not registered until payment is received.
 
Students are required to complete VA form 22-1990 for first-time users, or form 22-1995 for change of place of training or program.
 
To apply for benefits online, visit VONAPP (Veterans Online Application)
 

 
Entitlement Programs

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill

  • Chapter 35  Survivors and Dependents Assistance
  • Chapter 1606  Selected Reserve
  • Chapter 1607  Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP)

Chapter 30 provides up to 36 months of educational benefits to veterans if eligible.
 
Eligibility: entered active duty on or after July 1, 1985 and contributed $100 a month the first twelve months and have an honorable discharge.
 
Click here to view monthly reimbursement rates for Chapter 30.
 
 

Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (W.A.V.E. ) System

Students utilizing Chapters 30, 35, 1606 and 1607 are required to verify their enrollment at the end of every month using the WAVE system. Verification can be handled online, www.gibill.va.gov/wave or by phone.
 
 

Chapter 35 (MGIB) Survivors and Dependents Assistance

Dependents' education assistance to eligible dependents of certain veterans, offers up to 45 months of education benefits.
 
  • Sons, daughters, spouses and surviving spouses of veterans who perished or are totally disabled as a result of a service connected wound arising from active service or who perished from the cause while such disability existed.
  • The child or spouse of a person who is on active duty as a member of the Armed Forces and who for the period of 90 days has been considered as a POW, MIA or otherwise detained by a foreign government or power.

A copy of VA form 22-5490 for education benefits or form 22-5495 for change of place or training or program change.
 
To apply for benefits online, visit VONAPP (Veterans Online Application)
 
 

Chapter 1606 (MGIB) Selected Reserve

  • On or after July 1, 1985 enlisted, re-enlisted or extended an enlistment of a selected reserve so that the reservist has an obligation to serve for a period of not less than six years following the date of such action.
  • Has completed the requirements for a secondary school diploma
  • Has completed IDAT
  • Has enlisted, re-enlisted or extended an enlistment

DD214 and either 22-1990 application for educational benefits or 22-1995 change of place of training or program.
 
To apply for benefits online, visit VONAPP (Veterans Online Application)
 
 

Chapter 1607 (MGIB) Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP)

An educational program designed to provide assistance to members of the Selective Reserve, called or ordered to active duty in response to war or national emergency. DD214 required, also 22-1990 (application for educational benefits) or 22-1995 change of place of training or program.
 

Chapter 32 Post Vietnam Era Educational Assistance Program

  • Veterans who entered active duty after January 1, 1977 and before July 1, 1085
  • Contributed to VEAP
  • Served for a continuous period of 181 days

 

Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill

Provides educational benefits to eligible veterans who have served at least 90 days of service on or after September 11, 2001. Offers up to 36 months of educational benefits, generally payable up to 15 years following release from active duty.
 
The percentage Veterans are eligible to receive depends on their active duty service on or after September 11, 2001.
 
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Monthly Housing
  • Annual books and supplies stipend
  • One-time rural benefit

 

Chapter 33 Post 9/11 Transfer Benefits

Service members enrolled in Post 9/11 GI Bill program may be able to transfer unused educational benefits to spouses or children. A transferability application is required.
 
 

Tuition and Fees

Students receiving Veterans Benefits
 
Per course: $460 per semester hour. (Each course credits 3-semester hour course)
 
Application fee: $75
 
Students are responsible for the Tuition, one-time Registration/Enrollment fee, Graduation fee, Study Guides and textbooks.
 
Postage and handling costs are the responsibility of the student. Postage costs vary according to the student's geographical location.