If you have already applied for and received your educational benefits, continue with Step 2: Apply to The Citadel.
Active Duty service members are encouraged to speak with their Educational Service Officer (ESO) on their base or post, before admissions.
How to Apply for VA Education Benefits
To begin using your VA Educational Benefits at The Citadel, follow these steps:
- Apply to the VA for Education Benefits:
You can apply online at www.va.gov. - Processing Time:
The VA typically takes 30-45 business days (approximately 5-9 weeks) to process applications. Processing times can sometimes be longer, so apply as early as possible. You may submit your VA application even if you haven’t been officially admitted to The Citadel. - Certificate of Eligibility (COE):
Once approved, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Please provide a copy to the Veteran Student Success Center. - Determine Your Benefits:
To apply, you’ll need to know which VA educational benefits you are eligible for. If you’re unsure, review the options below to learn more.
Types of Educational Benefits
Cadets & Dependent Students
Ch. 35 Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program
The Survivors and dependents Education program (Chapter 35) is for dependents (spouses and children) of individuals who died or are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes. Learn more about Chapter 35 benefits.
Additional Information
Chapter 35 pays a monthly stipend directly to the student and not to the institution. Students are responsible for paying their tuition by due date.
The Colonel John M. McHugh Tuition Fairness for Survivors Act of 2021 (Public Law 117-68) amends the definition of covered individuals for instate tuition to include Chapter 35 Dependents’ Educational Assistance, effective 8/1/2022. For additional information, please reach out to the Office of the Registrar.
*Currently effective only for the 2022-2023 Academic Year under Proviso 117.173 of Act 239 signed by Governor McMaster on 6/29/2022.
South Carolina Free Tuition
Provides for free tuition to the children of certain war veterans attending South Carolina state supported colleges and universities, as well as state supported post high school technical education institutions. Certain residency requirements apply. For questions or to apply contact 803.960.8327.
Application for Tuition Assistance for Certain War Veterans Children.
The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship is a benefit for children and spouses of an Active-Duty service member who died in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. Students eligible under this benefit may have their tuition covered by the VA and receive a monthly housing and book allowance from the VA. Learn more about the Fry Scholarship eligibility.
Additional Information
The VA sends a direct tuition payment to the school. The VA does not pay room & board or a cadets QM account. Students should pay their portion of the bill by bill due date.
Students eligible under this benefit may receive instate tuition rates while they have remaining entitlement for the scholarship. Once entitlement is exhausted, they will revert to non-resident tuition rates, if applicable. For additional information, please reach out to the Office of the Registrar.
Post 9/11- Transfer of Entitlement (TOE)
Service members have the option to transfer unused benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® to their children or spouse. Qualified dependents may be eligible for receiving funds for tuition, housing, books, and other supplies. The Department of Veterans Affairs does NOT determine eligibility. Only the Department of Defense (DOD) determines if a service member is eligible to transfer benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. Some of these requirements include completing at least 6 years of service, agreeing to add 4 more years, and having enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). There are also some conditions that apply to family members wanting to use transferred benefits. View the VA’s website for more information regarding TOE.
Additional Information
The VA sends a direct tuition payment to the school. The VA does not pay room & board or a cadets QM account. Students should pay their portion of the bill by bill due date.
Students eligible under this benefit receives instate tuition rates while they have remaining entitlement for Post 9/11-TOE. Once entitlement is exhausted, they will revert to non-resident tuition rates, if applicable. For additional information, please reach out to The Office of the Registrar.
Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
The Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), is an education program that supports the education of veterans. The program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve; this includes the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Reserves. Applicants must have completed all of their initial active duty training. This benefit pays a monthly stipend directly to the student. Learn more about MGIB-SR.
Additional Information
You will receive a stipend for personal use each month for 36 months as long as you are a full-time student. Benefit rates for part-time enrollment are reduced proportionately. Visit the GI Bill® Rate® Table. This benefit does not send funding to the school.
The Department of Defense may make additional contributions, or kickers, on your behalf if you are an individual who served in a critical military field. Contact your unit to find out if you qualify for the kicker.
Your benefits must be used while actively drilling with a National Guard/Reserve unit. Once you leave the National Guard/Reserves, your education benefit ends.
Veterans & Active Duty Students
Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill® is an Active Duty Educational Assistance Program, also known as MGIB or Chapter 30, that provides educational benefits to Veterans and Service members. Students receive benefit payments on a monthly basis. Lean more about MGIB and Who is eligible?
If you are also eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, it is strongly recommended that you discuss with a military education officer (ESO) or with The Citadel’s Veteran Student Success Center for potential advantages and disadvantages of transferring to the Post 9/11 program. You may also view a comparison chart.
Additional Information
You may receive up to 36 months of education benefits through chapter 30, MGIB. This can be used towards degree and Graduate Certificate programs. Non-degree seeking students are not eligible to receive VA benefits.
Benefits are paid to the student on a monthly basis while attending school. Current payment rates can be found on the VA’s website.
Chapter 31 – Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Title 38, U.S. Code, Chapter 31 authorizes the benefit program. The program, formerly called Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, is now known as Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E). The program assists qualified Veterans with service-connected disabilities and an employment handicap to transition and to prepare for, find, and maintain a job. Chapter 31 offers services to help veterans live as independently as possible. For more information, please visit: Who is eligible?
Additional Information
Benefits cover tuition, mandatory fees, books, certain supplies and parking for a period of time determined by a VR&E case manager in the Veteran Readiness and Employment Program. The VR&E case manager notifies The Citadel if the authorized enrollment period is extended.
The Citadel directly receives tuition, parking and book payments. The Veteran Student Success Center staff provides authorized students with a parking pass.
Post-9/11 G.I. Bill®
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing. Individuals are eligible if they have at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001. It also provides support to individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. To be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® you must have received an honorable discharge. For students who are using or wish to use a transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill®, please go to the Post 9/11, Transfer Benefits section of this website.
Additional Information
The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where they live and what type of degree they are pursuing. For a summary of Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits, see the benefit comparison chart.
Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
The Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), is an education program that supports the education of veterans. The program provides up to 36 months of education benefits to members of the Selected Reserve; this includes the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Reserves. Applicants must have completed all of their initial active duty training. This benefit pays a monthly stipend directly to the student. Learn more about MGIB-SR.
Additional Information
You will receive a stipend for personal use each month for 36 months as long as you are a full-time student. Benefit rates for part-time enrollment are reduced proportionately. Visit the GI Bill® Rate® Table.
The Department of Defense may make additional contributions, or kickers, on your behalf if you are an individual who served in a critical military field. Contact your unit to find out if you qualify for the kicker.
Your benefits must be used while actively drilling with a National Guard/Reserve unit. Once you leave the National Guard/Reserves, your education benefit ends.