Military Benefits & Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get certified and use my benefits at USU?

The certification process is a partnership between you and the VRO. To ensure your benefits are paid on time, follow these steps:

1. Open Your File: Complete the First-Time Student Checklist to submit your COE and Student Data Sheet.
2. Submit Transcripts (Admissions): You must submit your official Joint Services Transcript (JST) or CCAF transcript directly to the Admissions Office when you apply.
   
   Note: The VRO office does not evaluate transcripts or award credit. All credit evaluations are performed by the Admissions Office and the Registrar.
   
   
3. Submit Your Semester Enrollment Form: This is required every semester. After you register for classes, you must submit this form to notify our office that you want to be certified for that term.
4. Course Review: We verify that your registered classes are required for your degree.
5. Initial Certification: We notify the VA of your credits to trigger your stipends.
6. Tuition Certification (Ch. 33 & 31): After the drop/add period, we report final tuition and fees for direct payment to USU.

Benefit Payment Breakdown

Benefit Chapter	Tuition & Fees	Housing Stipend (MHA/BAH)	Books & Supplies
Ch. 33 (Post 9/11)	Paid to USU (% based)	Paid to student monthly	Up to $1,000/year stipend
Ch. 31 (VR&E) 100% paid to USU	Paid to student (rates vary)	USU Store Purchase Order
Ch. 30 & 1606 (MGIB)	Student pays USU	Included in monthly payment	Included in monthly payment
Ch. 35 (DEA)	Student pays USU	Included in monthly payment	Included in monthly payment

Residency, Full-Time Status, & Housing

Am I eligible for residency?

Under Utah law (HB 177), military service members, veterans, and their dependents can gain residency for tuition purposes.

• The Process: You must officially apply for the Military Service Residency Exemption through the USU Admissions Office.

Full-Time Thresholds

The VA calculates your housing stipend based on your "Rate of Pursuit." To receive the full stipend, you must meet these credit minimums:

• Undergraduate: 12+ credits.
• Graduate: 9+ credits (or 6 credits with a 0.5 FTE assistantship).
• Full-Time at 3 Credits (FT3): Graduate students in their final defense semester may qualify for full-time status with 3 credits. Approved FT3 Form required.
• Summer: Summer terms vary (e.g., 10 credits for 14-week term; 5 credits for 7-week term). The summer general term is only 14 weeks. The VA uses a calculation to equal 12 credits which is typically full time.

How to receive the maximum Housing Stipend (Ch. 33 & Ch. 31)

To receive your maximum eligible Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), you must meet two criteria:

1. Full-Time Status: You must be enrolled in enough credits to be considered "Full-Time."
2. In-Person Requirement: At least one (1) credit must be an in-person (resident) credit. If you take an online-only schedule, your housing stipend will be capped at half the national average ($871 for 2026).

Yellow Ribbon Program

Available to students using Post 9/11 (Ch. 33) at the 100% rate who are living out of state and taking classes online.

• How to apply: Submit the form found on our VRO First-Year Checklist.

Academic Rules & Retakes

• Required Courses Only: The VA only pays for courses required for your degree.
• Failing & Retakes: The VA covers the cost of a failed class if you attended the entire semester. They will pay to retake a class you didn't "pass" (per your major's requirements), but will not pay for retakes intended only to boost your GPA.

What if I run out of benefits mid-semester?

• Veterans: If your benefits expire during the term, the VA will typically pay for the full semester. You can also look into the Veterans Tuition Grant.
• Dependents: If you are a dependent, you can ask your sponsor to transfer additional months.
• Last Dependent: If you are the last dependent using the remaining portion of your sponsor's months, contact the GI Bill Hotline (1-888-442-4551) to request that the full semester be covered.
• Veterans using Post 9-11 GI Bill or dependents using the FRY scholarship can also be eligible for the Edith Nourse Stem Scholarship to extend benefits.

Special Programs & Processes

• Dual Majors: Requires a "Letter of Support" to the VRO explaining how both majors relate to your career goals.
• Scholarships & Tuition Assistance (TA): The VA is the "Last Payer." Tuition-specific scholarships or military TA are subtracted from the amount we bill to the VA. FTA and STA forms should be sent to the Bursar's office. Please send via email to thirdparty@usu.edu.
• Work-Study: To qualify, you must be receiving VA benefits and be enrolled at least 3/4 time.

Remedial Math & ALEKS Testing

• Placement: The VA only pays for the remedial math level indicated by your ALEKS score.
• Format: Remedial courses (below 1000 level) must be taken in person or via synchronous broadcast. Online remedial courses cannot be certified.

Monthly Verification Requirements (2026 Update)

Crucial: All chapters must verify attendance to receive payments.

• CH. 33 (Post 9/11): Text "YES" to the VA’s automated text or use the email link.
• CH. 30 & CH. 1606: Use the WAVES Portal or call 1-877-823-2378.
• CH. 35 (DEA): New for 2026: Verify monthly via the VA.gov portal or text.