MILITARY BENEFITS

I am military connected and qualify for benefits. Should I still complete the FAFSA?

Yes. You may be eligible for federal and state aid in addition to your Veteran/Dependent Educational Benefits.

I've never attempted to use military benefits before. Where do I start?

A: First things first: Please visit the VA education website, choose your benefit type, and complete the online application through VA.gov.

Once the VA has processed your application, they will send you a Certificate of Eligibility. Send a copy of this, along with a copy of the Military Connected Student Worksheet, to the SAU Veterans and Recruitment Office. 

The office also needs proof of service. This can be a DD-214 member 4 copy, JST, or a Proof of Service document from eBenefits.

I made a change in my enrollment. Should I notify the Veterans Coordinator?

Yes! Changes in enrollment can affect your VA education benefits, including the risk of overpayment and personal debt to the VA. Always let Veterans Services know ASAP if you make any change to your schedule.

It's best to discuss any enrollment changes with Veterans Services before making them to avoid unnecessary complication or loss of benefits. This includes adding or dropping a class and withdrawal from the University.

How does the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® compare to the Montgomery G.I. Bill®?

It can't always be assumed that the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® is the best option for everybody. You can contact the VA at 888-442-4551 to discuss pros and cons. Use this comparison tool on the VA website.

Can SAU's Veterans Coordinator tell me if I am eligible for a G.I. Bill®?

No. This can only be determined by the VA after you apply for the benefit. You are encouraged to complete the application for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefit, and let the VA determine your eligibility. The Coordinator can assist you with the application process and inform you about the different types of education benefits.

I am enrolled as a part-time student. Can I still use my Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®?

Yes. For part-time students, payments for tuition/fees and book stipend are prorated based on the number of credit hours in which you are enrolled.

Students with a "Rate of Pursuit" greater than 50% are eligible for a monthly housing stipend. "Rate of Pursuit" is calculated by the VA. For questions, contact the VA at 888-GIBILL1

Full-time = 12 or more credit hours (undergraduate); 9 or more credit hours (graduate)

The VA determines part-time/full-time status based on how many credits a student is enrolled at a given time, not the total number of hours registered for in the term. Please contact the Coordinator of Veterans Services or the VA with questions about maintaining full time status.

To receive the maximum housing allowance you would need to be full time and attending at least one in-person class. The housing rate for completely online students is ½ the national average.

Find more rate information at VA Education benefits rates.

Does the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® pay for room and board at SAU?

No. The monthly housing stipend, or other eligible financial assistance, can be used for this expense. The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® will only pay for tuition and fees at St. Ambrose University.

My parents are veterans. Do I have some type of educational benefit?

Not necessarily. In order to qualify for Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance, a parent needs to have died or have a 100% VA disability rating due to active military service. If your parent is a Post-9/11 service member, there is a Transfer of Entitlement Program for children and spouses. The transfer requires a 10-year commitment and must be completed while the Service member is on Active Duty.

I used up all of my G.I. Bill® benefits before the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® program began. Can I still apply for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®?

Yes. If you used all 36 months of the Montgomery G.I. Bill® and have at least 90 days of cumulative active duty service after 9/10/2001, you may qualify for an additional 12 months of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®. Individuals cannot receive more than a maximum of 48 months of benefits under any combination of VA education programs.

You are encouraged to complete the application for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® benefit, and let the VA determine your eligibility.

I don't begin classes until late August. Will I receive the full month of my Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® housing allowance?

No. Housing allowance payments are prorated by the VA based on the number of days in the month you are actually enrolled. For example: If classes start on the 15th, then you only will receive housing allowance for the 15th through the end of the month.

What is the university's policy on students called to Active Duty?

Students who are called to active duty have the following options: 

1. Withdraw the student from classes for the current term at 100% refund of tuition and mandatory fees.
2. Make arrangements with the student's instructors for course grades or incompletes that shall be completed by the student at a later date. If such arrangements are made, the student's registration shall remain intact and tuition and mandatory fees shall be assessed for the courses in full.

The above options also apply to the spouse of a deployed service member with a dependent child, in the case when the spouse is the student.

If you have questions concerning your Financial Aid package, please contact Student Financial Services at SFS@sau.edu.

Regarding readmission for service members and family members due to military service:

St. Ambrose University will promptly readmit a service member with the same academic status as they had when last attended this university or were accepted for admission at this institution. This requirement applies to any student who cannot attend school due to military service. 

I have questions that have not been answered here. Where can I go for answers?

For questions or concerns about using Veterans Education Benefits at St. Ambrose University, please email Melissa Simatovich, or call 563-333-6318.