Military & Veteran Education Benefits
Are you a veteran or currently in the Reserves or the Guard? You may be eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill ®, Chapter 1606 or Chapter 30 educational benefits. Veterans with a 10% or more service connected disability, may be eligible for the VA Readiness & Employment (VR&E) Program. Children and spouses of veterans who are 100% disabled or deceased as a result of being in the military service may also be eligible for educational assistance. Veterans benefits may be available to graduate students if the student is a veteran or currently in the Reserves or National Guard.
The process to utilize your VA education or VR&E benefits at Stockton University is simple! To get started, click on the benefit you wish to use from the list below.
Not sure which benefit you may be eligible to receive? The VA offers a helpful overview of the application process. On the VA site, click the blue button that reads “Find your education benefits form” and answer a few simple questions to be directed to the education benefits form that’s right for you! Then, select your benefit from the list below to get started!
File your FAFSA:
Remember to file your FAFSA to determine your eligibility for any other types of financial aid in addition to your benefits.
File your FAFSA Here
Information on Utilizing Education Benefits:
Benefits & Eligibility Criteria:
If you are eligible for the NJ Guard Tuition Waiver, you must file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year. If you are eligible for federal or state grants, tuition specific scholarships, or other tuition benefits the amount of those funds will be deducted from the cost of tuition and your waiver will cover any difference.
Only tuition is covered by the waiver and you are responsible for your fees, any housing and/or meal costs or other assessed costs.
Children and spouses of certain members of the National Guard who completed Initial Active Duty Training and were killed as a result of serving active duty or as a result of performing their duties with the NJ National Guard may also be eligible for educational assistance.
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
Procedure:
- Step 1: File your FAFSA
- Step 2: Log in to njfams.hesaa.org to view State Financial Aid eligibility (new users will need to create a username and password). Check your To Do List and complete all outstanding requirements.
*You must complete a valid FAFSA by the federal and state filing deadlines AND you must complete any necessary federal and/or state verification requirements. We cannot apply your waiver otherwise. Need assistance with the financial aid process? Visit stockton.edu/fafsa for more information.
- Step 3: Complete any verification requirements for Federal and State Aid. Your waiver cannot be processed until verification is complete.
- Step 4: Obtain your Commander Certification from your unit and submit the form to the Office of Financial Aid.
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your Commander Certification
Note: The Commander’s Certificate must be signed by hand (no digital/typed signatures accepted) by both the commander and guard member. A valid certificate cannot be dated more than 60 days prior to the start of a semester. Any non-compliant certificates will prevent the processing of your waiver.
(Step 4 needs to be completed each semester the student wishes to use their benefits.)
Deadlines:
To ensure processing in a timely fashion please provide the commander’s certification as soon as possible, but no sooner than 60 days prior to the start of the semester.
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all valid items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Payment Plans:
*Please Note: If you are a recipient of the National Guard Tuition Waiver, but owe charges that are not covered by your benefit and wish to enroll in a payment plan, you must request a manual payment plan with the Bursar’s Office.
Click Here to Enroll in a Manual Payment Plan
Additional Information:
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid here.
Benefits & Eligibility Criteria:
The Montgomery GI Bill ® Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR ®) (Chapter 1606), is available to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the National Guard.
To be eligible for the MGIB-SR ® you must meet the following criteria:
- Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve or Guard signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation
- Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT)
- Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT
- Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve or Guard
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
Procedure:
- Step 1: Complete the Application for Education Benefits on the VA's GOV website.
- Step 2: Within four to eight weeks you should receive a declaration of eligibility (COE) and a letter explaining your VA GI Bill ® benefits. Send a copy of the COE to the Office of Financial Aid.
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your COE
**Remember that the funds are paid directly to the student, not the school.
Information on Self Certification
As a recipient of Montgomery GI Bill ® (Chapter 1606) funding you are required to self-certify each month of the term after the initial certification is executed by the institution. You will not receive a payment until you have verified your attendance, starting on the last calendar day of the month.
You may self-certify online here or through the automated phone line at 1-877-823-2378. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing your W.A.V.E account, troubleshooting information is available here. Please note, the WAVE and IVR systems do not update instantly as verifications and other submissions are processed manually. As such, it may take two to three business days for updates to reflect on your account.
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all valid items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Additional Information:
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid here or visit GI Bill ® benefits.
The Montgomery GI Bill ® Active Duty (MGIB-AD ®) is available to members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves, as well as the National Guard.
To be eligible for the MGIB-AD ® you must meet the following criteria in one of the categories listed:
All of these are true. You:
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit, and
- Entered active duty for the first time after June 30, 1985, and
- Had your military pay reduced by $100 a month for the first 12 months of service
And at least one of these is true. You served continuously (without a break) for:
- 3 years, or
- 2 years if that was your agreement when you enlisted, or
- 4 years if you entered the Selected Reserve within a year of leaving active duty (called the 2 by 4 program)
All of these are true. You:
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit, and
- Entered active duty before January 1, 1977 (or before January 2, 1978, under a delayed enlistment program contracted before January 1, 1977), and
- Served at least 1 day between October 19, 1984, and June 30, 1985, and stayed on active duty through June 30, 1988 (or through June 30, 1987, if you entered the Selected Reserve within 1 year of leaving active duty and served 4 years), and
- Had at least 1 day of entitlement left under the Vietnam Era GI Bill ® (Chapter 34) as of December 31, 1989
All of these are true. You:
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit, and
- Don’t qualify for MGIB ® under categories I or II, and
- Had your military pay reduced by $1,200 before separation
And one of these is true. You:
- Were on active duty on September 30, 1990, and involuntarily separated (not by your choice) after February 2, 1991, or
- Involuntarily separated on or after November 30, 1993, or
- Chose to voluntarily separate under either the Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) program or the Special Separation Benefit (SSB) program
Both of these are true. You:
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or 12 hours of college credit, and
- Had military pay reduced by $100 a month for 12 months or made a $1,200 lump-sum contribution (meaning you paid it all at once)
And one of these is true. You:
- Were on active duty on October 9, 1996, had money left in a VEAP account on that date, and chose MGIB ® before October 9, 1997, or
- Entered full-time National Guard duty under title 32, USC, between July 1, 1985, and November 28, 1989, and chose MGIB ® between October 9, 1996, and July 9, 1997
To learn more about the benefit you may be eligible for and how to receive these benefits, click here.
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
Procedure:
- Step 1: Complete the Application for Education Benefits on the VA's GOV website.
- Step 2: Within four to eight weeks you should receive a declaration of eligibility (COE) and a letter explaining your VA GI Bill ® benefits. Send a copy of the COE to the Office of Financial Aid.
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your COE
**Remember that the funds are paid directly to the student, not the school.
Information on Self Certification
As a recipient of Montgomery GI Bill ® (Chapter 30) funding you are required to self-certify each month of the term after the initial certification is executed by the institution. You will not receive a payment until you have verified your attendance, starting on the last calendar day of the month.
You may self-certify online here or through the automated phone line at 1-877-823-2378. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing your W.A.V.E account, troubleshooting information is available here. Please note, the WAVE and IVR systems do not update instantly as verifications and other submissions are processed manually. As such, it may take two to three business days for updates to reflect on your account.
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all valid items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Benefits & Eligibility Criteria:
The Post-9/11 GI Bill ® (Chapter 33) is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001 or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
Veterans may also transfer their benefits under Post-9/11 GI Bill ® (Chapter 33 Transfer of Benefits (TOB)) to their spouse or dependent.
This program will pay eligible individuals:
- Tuition & fees directly to the school
- A monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school, and annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment
- A one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals payable only for training at an Institution of Higher Learning (IHL). If you are in the military, you will not receive the housing allowance or books & supplies stipend
- This benefit provides up to 36 months of education benefits
- If your last discharge or release from active duty is on or after January 1, 2013, there is no time limitation to use your benefits. If your last discharge or release from active duty is before January 1, 2013, you have 15 years to use your benefits
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
Who is eligible for benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®?
- Individuals who serve at least 90 days of aggregate qualifying active duty service after September 10, 2001.
- Veterans must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®.
To be eligible for 100% of the benefit, an individual must have served an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service, or have been discharged for a service-connected disability after 30 days of continuous service.
For those who served fewer than 36 months, the percentage of benefit ranges from 50% to 90%:
- 50% - 90 or more days 70% - 18 total months 90% - 30 total months
- 60% - 6 total months 80% - 24 total months 100% - 36 total months
For example, an individual with five months of qualifying service could receive 50%
of the tuition benefit, 50% of the
monthly housing allowance (if eligible), and a maximum of $500 books and supplies
stipend per year.
What entitlements do students receive under the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®?
The Post-9/11 GI Bill ® reimburses your tuition & fees to your school and makes housing and other payments
directly to you.
Tuition & Fees - Your school will receive a percentage, as determined by your length of active duty service, of the following:
- For resident students at a public Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) all tuition & fee payments are reimbursed;
- For private and foreign IHLs tuition & fee reimbursement is capped at $24,476.79 per academic year.
*Note: If you are attending a public IHL as a non-resident student or a private IHL
that is more expensive than the
$24,476.79 cap you may be eligible for extra payment under the Yellow Ribbon program.
See “Yellow Ribbon payments”
Monthly living stipend - A monthly housing allowance (MHA) equal to the basic allowance
for housing (BAH) amount
payable to an E-5 with dependents (based on zip code of campus where attending). This
allowance is paid proportionately based on your enrollment. MHA rates will be adjusted
for new BAH rates on 1 August instead of 1 January.
*Note:
• If you are attending school at the 1/2 time or less rate, or if you are on active
duty or the spouse of an active duty
member (with transferred entitlements), you will not receive any MHA. Payments are
prorated for days not on active duty.
• If you are attending school overseas you will receive a MHA of the average BAH amount
for all CONUS locations.
• If you are enrolled solely in distance learning you will receive a housing allowance
equal to 1/2 the national average.
MHA is also prorated based on length of service. For your school’s current rates check
http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/
Books and supplies stipend: Up to $1000/year payment issued directly to the student. This benefit is paid proportionately at $41.67 per credit hour, not to exceed 24 credit hours per academic year, and is prorated based on length of service. A lump sum payment is paid with the first housing stipend each academic year.
Yellow Ribbon payments:The Yellow Ribbon Program allows degree-granting institutions to enter into a voluntary agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate for individuals eligible for the 100% payment tier. The institution can contribute up to 50% of those expenses and VA will match the same amount as the institution. This payment is issued to the school when the school certifies and VA processes the student’s enrollment. For details visit http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp
What other kinds of education and training does the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® cover?
Non-college degree (NCD) programs:Pays actual net cost for in-state tuition and fees at public NCD institutions. At private and foreign institutions, pays the actual net costs for in-state tuition and fees or $24,476.79, whichever is less. Also pays a yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 paid proportionately based on enrollment.
On-the-job and apprenticeship training: Pays a monthly benefit amount prorated based on time in program and a yearly
books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 paid proportionately based on enrollment
(up to $83 per month)
Flight programs: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs not to exceed $13,986.72
Correspondence training: Per academic year, pays the actual net costs not to exceed $11,888.70.
Accredited independent study programs at area career technical schools and postsecondary vocational institutions.
Allows reimbursement for more than one National Testing Programs/Licensing or Certification (up to $2,000 per test).
Allows reimbursement of fees paid to take national exams used for admission to an
institution of higher learning (e.g.,
SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT).
*Note: If an individual is eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill ® as well as other GI Bill ® benefits, they will be required to make an
irrevocable choice of which benefit to receive.
What is the period of eligibility for the Post-9/11 GI Bill ®?
Service members whose last day of Active Duty is on or after 1 January 2013 no longer have a delimiting date. For all others the period of eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill ® ends 15-years from the date of the last discharge or release from active duty of at least: 90 consecutive days; Or, 30 days but less than 90 days if released for a service-connected disability; or, 15 years from the date of discharge for the last period of service used to meet the minimum service requirements of 90 aggregate days of service.
For more information go to: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill or contact 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).
UPDATED: 1 January 2020
Post-9/11 GI Bill ® (Chapter 33): “Transferability” (Add Dependents as Beneficiaries)
Who is eligible to “transfer” Post-9/11 GI Bill ® benefits to qualified dependents?
Individuals who are currently serving in the Armed Forces (on or after 1 August 2009), have completed at least six years of service, and agree to serve up to four more years (must not have an Adverse Action Flag). Extension must be made to add the amount of time to current ETS to equal four years from the date of election for transferability.
Service members can transfer up to 36 months of remaining entitlements to their spouse and/or children. Can add, revoke or modify transferability benefits while serving in the Armed Forces.
Retirees or separated service members cannot add new beneficiaries; they can only revoke or modify existing transferred benefits. Service members can re-transfer Post-9/11 benefits if the original dependent dies, even after the service member separates. Dependents can re-transfer Post-9/11 GI Bill ® benefits if the transferor dies and they have remaining months.
Spouses:
• Can use benefits after service member has served at least six years in the armed
forces
• Can use benefits up to member’s eligibility period unless member specifies earlier
date
• Can use benefits if divorced after the transfer (unless revoked by Service member)
Children:
• Can transfer to unmarried child under age of 18, or if in college, under the age
of 23
• May use benefits after transferor has served 10-years in the Armed Forces
• Will receive full veteran benefits even if transferor is on active duty (housing
and books)
• May use benefits from age of 18 until age of 26 regardless of transferor’s eligibility
period
• May continue to receive benefits after marriage
Procedures to Transfer benefits (must be done in sequence):
- Confirm that your family member is enrolled in DEERS as a qualified dependent
- Log into the DOD TEB website to complete your transfer request: You can access TEB
through
milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil (Sign In, click on “Transfer my education benefits”). - Confirm that your current Expiration Term of Service (ETS) date meets the required
service obligation –
extend contract if necessary – allow processing time for extension. If your ETS is not updated in the
personnel system after 70 days your request will be denied and you will need to request TEB again. - A Service Representative will approve, reject, or set your request to a pending status.
If a Statement of
Understanding (SOU) form is required by your service - they will contact you with instructions. - To track the status of your request, you will need to return to the DOD TEB website
to check the ‘Status’
in the Sponsor information section. It is important to follow up and ensure this section states “Approved.” - Once your transfer request is approved, your data is sent to the Dept of Veterans Affairs (DVA).
- To use the benefit complete VA Form 22-1990e (only when benefit is needed) with the
DVA online at
www.vets.gov/education/apply/ - DVA will process the dependent’s application and provide a Certificate of Eligibility to the dependent
- Dependent brings the Certificate of Eligibility to the Veterans Affairs Certifying
Official at the school they
attend to begin processing for payment of benefit.
TEB must be initiated for each dependent BEFORE you retire or separate!!!
www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect
UPDATED: 1 January 2020
Procedure:
- Step 1: Complete VONAPP application (print out a copy for yourself) through eBenefits
Learn How to Apply here.
- Step 2: Send a copy of the declaration of eligibility (COE) to the Office of Financial Aid.
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your COE
Important Updates on Self-Certification:
-
In order for Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) beneficiaries to continue collecting a monthly housing allowance (BAH), they will need to verify their enrollment status monthly for enrollment periods beginning on or after August 1, 2021. There are two ways in which a student will be able to verify his/her monthly enrollment. Students may call the Education Call Center at 888-442-4551, or they may opt to receive monthly text messages asking them to confirm their status. If a student replies “no” by phone or text, VA’s processing office will contact the school for additional information on the student’s enrollment. If a student fails to verify his/her enrollment for two consecutive months, the monthly stipend will be suspended.
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all valid items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Stockton University will hold your account harmless for any funds anticipated through the Post 911 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) education benefits program as confirmed by certification of courses for the specified term. You must request use of benefit for each term and courses you wish coverage to initiate this dispensation. Charges in excess of the amount anticipated by the VA must be paid by the student in accordance with the established billing due date. Failure to meet this deadline may result in late fees, holds or other consequences as established by the Bursar for a past due balance. It is the responsibility of the student to request initial certification and notify this office of any changes in enrollment to ensure the proper certification by this institution. The student must make every effort to submit the request for certification by the first day of term.
Additional Information:
- Determine your Post 9/11-GI Bill ® entitlement percentage - This is based on the number of months you have served on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
- Determine the maximum amount the VA will pay based on the in-state tuition rate for your school's state.
- Ask your school about their per credit hour tuition and per term fees:
Multiply the maximum in-state tuition & fees by your Post-9/11 GI Bill ® entitlement percentage and compare this to your school's tuition and fees. If your entitlement is equal to or more than the schools tuition and fees then you are covered. There is no refund of the difference.
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid here or visit this web site.
Payment Plans:
*Please Note: If you are a recipient of Chapter 33 education benefits, but owe charges that are not covered by your benefit and wish to enroll in a payment plan, you must request a manual payment plan with the Bursar’s Office.
Click Here to Enroll in a Manual Payment Plan
Benefits & Eligibility Criteria:
Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35) is available to the child or spouse of a veteran:
- Who died or is permanently disabled as the result of a service-connected disability
- Who is missing in action or captured by hostile forces
- Who is forcibly detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
Procedure:
- Step 1: Complete VONAPP application (print out a copy for yourself) through eBenefits
Learn How to Apply here.
- Step 2: Send a copy of the declaration of eligibility (COE) to the Office of Financial Aid.
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your COE
The COE must include the service member's file number (this means providing the SSN of the service member from whom you derived the right to this benefit).
**Remember that the funds are paid directly to the student, not the school. Therefore, you will be responsible for your bill by the due date established by the Bursar’s office.
Typically, you would not receive your benefits until after classes have begun, which is after the bill is due. We encourage you to file a FAFSA to help meet the financial obligation until you receive and apply your benefits.
*Need assistance with the financial aid process? Visit stockton.edu/fafsa for more information.
See below to learn about the Fry Scholarship.
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all valid items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Additional Information:
Dependent children who are eligible for Chapter 35 may also be eligible for the Fry Scholarship.
The Fry Scholarship allows those eligible to use their parent’s Post 9/11 GI Bill ®, if he/she was eligible for it and died in the line of duty. It pays for tuition, plus gives those eligible a monthly housing allowance and a book stipend up to $1,000 per year.
Those who qualify for both the Fry Scholarship and Chapter 35 will be limited to a total of 48 months of combined benefits under the VA’s Rule of 48. Those eligible can use up to 36 months of the Fry Scholarship and then switch to Chapter 35 and use another 12 months.
Click here to learn more about the Fry Scholarship Program.
**Note: Surviving spouses are not eligible for the Fry Scholarship, but may qualify for other scholarships, grants and loans.
File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for federal and state financial aid programs.
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid here.
Benefits & Eligibility Criteria:
Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31) is available if you served in the Armed Forces during WWII or thereafter and:
- Suffered a service-connected disability in active service which entitles you to compensation which you have declined in lieu of retirement pay
- Were discharged or released under dishonorable conditions
- The VA determines a need for vocational rehabilitation
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
Procedure:
- Step 1: Complete VONAPP application through eBenefits
Learn How to Apply here.
- Step 2: Schedule a meeting with your assigned Veteran Readiness & Employment counselor to determine benefit eligibility
If you are approved for benefits your counselor will send notification to the school of your eligibility. Your counselor may require regular grade reports and meetings to maintain eligibility. You must request certification for each semester you wish to utilize VR&E benefits. Your counselor will also submit an authorization to the campus bookstore for you to obtain necessary course materials and supplies. Equipment such as a computer or printer package may require additional authorization from your VR&E counselor.
**Remember that the funds are paid directly to the school, not the student.
Click Here to Request Certification
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all valid items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Stockton University will hold your account harmless for any funds anticipated through the Vocational Readiness & Education (VR&E) benefits program as confirmed by certification of courses for the specified term. You must request use of benefit for each term and courses you wish coverage to initiate this dispensation. Charges in excess of the amount anticipated by the VA must be paid by the student in accordance with the established billing due date. Failure to meet this deadline may result in late fees, holds or other consequences as established by the Bursar for a past due balance. It is the responsibility of the student to request initial certification and notify this office of any changes in enrollment to ensure the proper certification by this institution. The student must make every effort to submit the request for certification by the first day of term.
Payment Plans:
*Please Note: If you are a recipient of Chapter 31 education benefits, but owe charges that are not covered by your benefit and wish to enroll in a payment plan, you must request a manual payment plan with the Bursar’s Office.
Click Here to Enroll in a Manual Payment Plan
Additional Information:
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid here or visit this website.
Select the branch of the military in which you serve(ed) to view more information on specific Tuition Assistance by branch. Be sure to start the process by meeting with your Education Services Officer.
If your Branch of Service has not approved your FTA funding, you will be solely responsible for all tuition costs. It is important to follow all processes and procedures established by your ESO and branch of service.
Please note: Students must be matriculated in a degree-seeking program to use this benefit.
The Army Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial aid to active duty members.
The program is available to active duty members of the:
- Army
- Army National Guard
- Army Reserve
Benefits:
- Up to $4,000 a year
- Up to 130 semester hours toward an undergraduate degree
- Up to 39 semester hours toward a graduate degree
- Up to 21 semester hours toward a certificate
Requirements:
- College Credit Based on Training
- Advanced Level Training
*Waives 10 year delay on Master's
Procedure:
- Be sure to start the process by meeting with your Education Services Officer
- Establish an ArmyIgnitED Account
Please Note: Using the ArmyIgnitED software, you must search by cip code for your program. Find your cip code here. Once you pull up your cip code, you can select Stockton University and then go through the process of requesting your use of benefit and request certification/submit your documentation below.
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your Documentation
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
The Air Force Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial aid to active duty members.
The program is available to active duty members of the:
- Air Force
- Air Force Reserves
Benefits:
- Up to $4,500 a year
- Up to 124 semester hours toward an undergraduate degree
- Up to 42 semester hours toward a graduate degree
Requirements:
- Must maintain a 2.0 GPA for undergraduate degrees and a 3.0 for graduate degrees to continue using Tuition Assistance.
Procedure:
- Be sure to start the process by meeting with your Education Services Officer
- Apply for Tuition Assistance online using the Air Force Virtual Education Center
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your Documentation
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
The Marine Corps Tuition Assistance (TA) program is available to active duty members of the Marine Corps.
Benefits:
- Up to $4,500 a year
- Up to two (2) courses a semester
Requirements:
- Minimum General Technical (GT) score of 100 or a minimum Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) score of 10.2
- A grade lower than D or P for passing for non-graduate level coursework, or C for graduate level courses means you have to repay all TA funds for that course
Procedure:
- Be sure to start the process by meeting with your Education Services Officer
- Complete two (2) courses before signing up for Tuition Assistance
1) Higher Ed Prep - Joint Knowledge Online
2) Personal Financial Management - MarineNet
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your Documentation
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
The Coast Guard Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial aid to active duty members.
The program is available to:
- Active duty Coast Guard
- Members of the Coast Guard Selective Reserve
- Civilian employees of the Coast Guard
Benefits:
- Up to $2,250 a year
- Up to 130 semester hours toward an undergraduate degree
- Up to 40 semester hours toward a graduate degree
Requirements:
- A complete Tuition Assistance Application (degree plan uploaded, command approved) must be received by Education & Training Quota Management Command (ETQC) no less than 14 days prior to the class start date
Submit the application here.
- Don't begin a class without an approved Tuition Assistance authorization from ETQC, or you will have to pay for the costs of the course yourself
- A grade lower than a C for undergraduate courses or B for graduate courses means you have to pay back your Tuition Assistance
Procedure:
- Be sure to start the process by meeting with your Education Services Officer
- Apply for Tuition Assistance online using Secure Tuition Assistance & Other Funding
You may log in via Common Access Card (CAC) or Defense Enrollment Eligibility System (DEERS)
Click Here to Request Certification & Submit Your Documentation
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
See below for details on the TA Decide tool and Stockton's Return of Funds/Refund procedures.
TA DECIDE is an information and comparison tool designed specifically to aid participants of DoD's Tuition Assistance (TA) program in making informed choices on schools and education programs.
Visit TA DECIDE to use the tool, fueled by more than 10 recognized and trusted data sources from across the departments of Defense, Education and Veterans Affairs.
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; thereby earning the full amount authorized. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of TA funds originally authorized. To comply with the Department of Defense (DOD) policy, Stockton University will return any unearned TA funds on a prorated basis through at least the 60% portion of the enrollment period for which the funds were provided.
Unearned funds will be returned on a prorated basis, depending on the length of the course. To determine the amount of TA that needs to be returned, the institution will determine the date of the withdrawal, and then divide that by the number of days in the term to determine the percentage of TA that was earned by the student.
For example: The student enrolled in a course that’s duration is 56 days long. The student withdraws from the course on the 21st day. The percentage earned is 20/56= 35.714%. Since 36% of the TA authorized was earned by the student, the remaining portion, 64% of what was originally authorized must be returned to the DoD in accordance with this rule.
In instances when a service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, Stockton University will work with the affected service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion in compliance with the DOD policy.
Refund Procedures:
To remain in compliance with the Department of Defense’s policy, Stockton University will return any unearned TA funds through at least 60% of the semester on a prorated basis. The amount of unearned TA that is returned is based on the date of withdrawal from the course(s).
As an institution, the DOD will be billed after 60% of the semester has passed to reduce the amount of incorrect TA funds being disbursed by the DOD to Stockton University. We will only bill for the amount the student earned given their enrollment.
If you are a recipient of Federal Tuition Assistance, but owe charges that are not covered by your benefit and wish to enroll in a payment plan, you must request a manual payment plan with the Bursar’s Office.
Click Here to Enroll in a Manual Payment Plan
For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid here.
Additional Information:
Federal Tuition Assistance
The Federal Tuition Assistance Program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members and can cover up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours. Click here to learn more.
eBenefits
Visit the eBenefits portal to complete the VONAPP application or access information about your benefits. Click here to access the eBenefits portal.
GI Bill ® Comparison Tool & BAH Calculator
Use the GI Bill ® Comparison Tool to learn about education programs and compare benefits by school. This tool can also be used to calculate BAH benefits if eligible.
Benefits for National Guard & Reserves Members
Explore benefits available to National Guard and Reserves Members here.
FAFSA
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. National Guard members utilizing a Tuition Waiver are required to complete a FAFSA each year. The waiver will have no value until a valid FAFSA is received.
NJFAMS
View eligibility and provide additional documentation for State financial aid programs on njfams.hesaa.org. The waiver will have no value until your application is complete.
Understanding Aid
Consumer Finance assists students in breaking down their financial aid offer in simple terms and provides them with money saving strategies. The site also goes into detail about education loans and projected salaries needed to repay loans.
Education Loans
While we will offer the maximum federal loan for which you qualify through filing the FAFSA, you should consider your educational costs and needs before accepting. For example, you may wish to borrow less than what is offered to you.
If you need additional funds to help fill the gap with additional funds to cover your educational costs, we have provided you the opportunity to explore the different types of education loans to see which option(s) may work best to fit your needs. Click here to learn more about education loans available to you.
Percentage of Student Borrowers at Stockton University: 66%
Student Loan Default Rate: Percentage of borrowers entering repayment and defaulting on Federal Loans.
- National Average: 10.8%
- Our Rate: 4.9%
Students who borrow at this institution typically take out $20,875 in Federal loans for their undergraduate study. The Federal loan payment over 10 years for this amount is approximately $240.23 per month. Your borrowing may be different.
For students who need to obtain a copy of their COE:
Copies of all coorespondance sent by the VA are available in your documents section of e-benefits. This is where you will obtain your COE.
If you are unable to access e-benefits, you can request a copy of your COE by mail. Request a copy:
- Online: https://ask.va.gov/
- Via Phone: 888-442-4551
- Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m - 7 p.m. EST (TTY: 711)
- Via Phone Outside of the U.S: 1-919-781-5678 (this is not a toll free number)
Benefit Processing:
Certifications are executed on Fridays year round. Any request/submission will be reviewed daily and responded to. If you do not hear from us after submission, your documents/request have been accepted for weekly processing. You will be contacted via email if there is an issue. Friday certifications will include all items submitted from noon the Thursday prior to noon on the Thursday before processing.
Per VA regulations, circumstances for changes in schedule must be collected and in some instances reported. These circumstances may allow you to retain funding you would otherwise not be entitled to receive or receive funding for repeated courses.
Please report any changes made to your schedule to the Office of Financial Aid.
Click Here to Notify us of Changes Made to your Schedule
It is important you provide as much detail as possible related to the change you are making. All information is confidential and secure.
Per VA regulations, we must report when a student changes their major and if this change results in a change in education program and will entend their enrollment period more than one term. The purpose of this form is to allow students to report major changes to our office.
If you are receiving a Military or Veteran Education benefit, please complete this form each time you change your major.
Click Here to Notify us of a Change Made to your Major
The purpose of this form is to inform students of the VA's regulations on hybrid courses. The VA makes distinction in how benefits are paid and processed based on course modality.
By completing this form, students acknowledge their understanding of the regulations and their responsibility to contact the professor of any hybrid course for which they are enrolled and request that they complete their version of the Confirming the In-Person Element of a Hybrid Course form here (and below).
The purpose of this form is to confirm the in-person element of a hybrid course taken by a Military & Veteran Education Benefit recipient before certification of their education benefit(s). The VA makes distinction in how benefits are paid and processed based on course modality.
Faculty members are required to complete this form for each Military & Veteran Education Benefit Recipient enrolled in their hybrid course. They must complete the form for each of the hybrid courses they teach (once for each Military and Veteran Education Benefit Recipient enrolled in the course).
If the modality of a course changes, professors are also required to complete an updated version of the form.
Please Note: Students are required to initiate this request (initial and any subsequent requests) with their professor after completing the form above.
You will need to submit orders to our office if you have been deployed or activated. Submit your Military Orders below.
Click Here to Submit Military Orders
The VA occasionally requires completion of form 21-674 in conjunction with student use of the Chapter 35 benefit. Once you have completed your portion of the form, you may initiate a request for the University Certifying Official to complete the school's portion.
Submit your Request Here
Please Note: Only students who receive the National Guard Tuition Waiver, Post 9/11 GI Bill ® (Chapter 33), Post 9/11 GI Bill ® (Chapter 33) Transfer of Benefits (TOB), Veteran Readiness & Employment (Chapter 31) or Federal Tuition Assistance are eligible to enroll in a manual payment plan. If you do not utilize one of the benefits listed above, visit stockton.edu/bursars to learn more about enrolling in a standard payment plan.
Click the links below to view BAH Payment Rates for Less than Full Time Status for each benefit listed.
Please complete the form(s) below to request the use of your benefits as a guest student.
For Stockton University students who are guest students at another institution
If you intend to complete a course(s) at another institution while matriculated at Stockton and intend to use your VA education benefit, you will need to complete the guest student forms with the institution at which you are taking the course as well as at Stockton.
For guest students at Stockton University
If you are matriculated at another institution and are enrolled in a course at Stockton for which you would like to utilize your VA education benefit, please submit your institution’s guest form here.
Veteran & Military Education Benefit Recipients are required to report their intent to graduate to our office, so that we may inform the VA. Complete the form below to report your intent to graduate.
You can access your remaining entitlements by going to the VAeBenefits page and working through these steps:
- Login to your existing account or register for an account
- When a security warning pops up while navigating through the site, follow these steps:
1. Choose "I understand the risk"
2. Choose "Add Exception"
3. Confirm security exemption
- At the "Create your DS logon today" section, answer the questions, then begin "Basic Registration Lev. 1"
- Once your registration has been completed, upgrade your account and go through Remote Proofing
- When proofing has been completed, go to eBenefits and click Manage Benefits, then Education
- At that point, Chapter 33 Post 9/11 recipients should be able to view and print your Post 9/11 GI Bill ® Enrollment Info, which will serve as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Required Documents:
If you are receiving education benefits, certain documentation must be submitted. The documents vary, depending upon what chapter benefits you receive. View the tabs above to learn what documentation you may need to submit to our office to utilize your benefits.
Submit Documents Here
Visit the Military & Veteran Success Center to learn more about Military and Veteran Services at Stockton.
*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 http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
