Military Education Benefits

Military service offers an array of education benefits to service members. FHSU offers many degree and certificate programs for GI Bill Benefit students. You do need to be degree seeking, admitted, and working towards one of the degree programs. Stand-alone certificates will not work for GI Bill Benefits.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Education and Training Contact Information:
benefits.va.gov/gibill
888-442-4551

FHSU Veteran's Class Schedule Form

FHSU Veteran's Class Schedule

How to Receive Veteran's Benefits

Learn more about the processes and procedures to receive your benefits.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) to determine your federal financial aid eligibility.

GI Bill® Comparison Tool

Use this website to assist in determining your eligibility for Post 9/11 - Chapter 33 benefits.

eBenefits

Register at eBenefits to view the status of your benefits, change direct deposit information, access VA documents/letters, transfer Post-9/11 benefits, and access other resources.

Officer Candidate School

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is the U.S. Army's main training academy for prospective Army Officers. The school is generally open to qualified enlisted service members, Noncommisioned Officers, and civilians who hold at least a four-year college degree. Candidates who successfully complete in the rigorous, 12-week school receive formal commissions in the KSARNG as Second Lieutenants.

Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE)

All students who are receiving either the Montgomery GI Bill® Active duty or Selected Reserve MUST verify their enrollments monthly to receive payments. This verification can be done either by using the WAVE application or by using the automated telephone system (TVR) at 1-877-823-2378 and following the prompts. Ch.33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® will now be required to also report on WAVE.

Fort Hays State University Title 38 U.S.C. §3679(e) Compliance Policy

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is committed to supporting student veterans, active-duty service members, reservists, and their eligible dependents in their pursuit of higher education. FHSU complies fully with the requirements of Title 38 United States Code §3679(e) and ensures that no student using VA education benefits will be penalized due to delayed VA payments.

VA Student Protections Under §3679(e)

In accordance with Title 38 U.S.C. §3679(e), FHSU will not take the following actions against any covered individual (as defined in the statute) using Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®) or Chapter 31 (Veteran Readiness & Employment) benefits, while VA tuition and fee payments are pending:

Prevent or delay enrollment in classes
Impose late fees or other penalties
Require students to seek alternative or additional funding
Deny access to classes, libraries, or other university resources available to other students who have satisfied their financial obligations

Student Requirements to Maintain Protection

To remain eligible for these protections, covered students must:

Provide a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or a Statement of Benefits for Chapter 33, or for Chapter 31, a VA Form 28-1905 (issued by the VA Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor), no later than the first day of the term.
Submit a written request for certification to the FHSU Office of Financial Assistance.
Provide any additional documentation or information required for proper enrollment certification as outlined in institutional and VA policies.

Note: Students can retrieve their COE through the VA’s eBenefits portal. Chapter 31 students must wait for their assigned VA case manager to send authorization directly to the school.

Residency Compliance for In-State Tuition

Under Title 38 U.S.C. §3679(c), FHSU complies with the VA’s residency requirement for in-state tuition rates for “covered individuals,” regardless of their actual state of residence, if they meet the following conditions:

A veteran who was discharged within the past three years after at least 90 days of active service.
A spouse or child using transferred Chapter 33 benefits or Fry Scholarship (Chapter 33, Section 3311(b)(9)).
An individual eligible for Chapter 31 VR&E benefits.

These students will be charged in-state tuition rates while residing in Kansas and attending FHSU, as required by federal law. Continuous enrollment will preserve eligibility.

VA Course Approval and Disapproval

All courses offered at FHSU are subject to review and approval by the Kansas State Approving Agency in accordance with Title 38 requirements. Courses not meeting these standards may be subject to disapproval, and students will be notified if such action impacts their educational benefits.

Disapproval may also apply if:

FHSU fails to comply with VA or State Approving Agency requirements.
Accreditation is withdrawn and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs does not grant an 18-month grace period.
Tuition rates are not consistent with in-state charges for eligible individuals.
Licensure or certification programs do not clearly disclose prerequisites or outcomes.

Rule of Construction Regarding Partial Payments

As noted in Public Law 115-407, if the VA disbursement is less than anticipated, FHSU may require payment for the difference between the VA-covered amount and the actual tuition and fee balance.

Contact Information

For questions, eligibility submissions, or assistance with VA educational benefits, students should contact:

FHSU Office of Financial Assistance
Picken Hall, Room 202
Email: fava@fhsu.edu
Phone: 785-628-4408
Website: https://www.fhsu.edu/finaid/Military-Education-Benefits/

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 www.va.gov/education.

Types of Military Education Benefits

Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
Public Law 111-32, the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, amends the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) to include the children of service members who die in the line of duty after Sept. 10, 2001. The benefit is effective August 1, 2009, the same day the Post-9/11 GI Bill® takes effect. Eligible children attending school may receive up to the highest public, in-state undergraduate tuition and fees plus a monthly living stipend and book allowance.

Montgomery GI Bill® - Active Duty (Chapter 30)
The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following release from active duty. Chapter 34 (old G.I. Bill®) may also be eligible for benefits.

Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
The MGIB-SR program may be available for members of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
The Post 9/11 GI Bill® provides financial support for education and housing to 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. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill®.

Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program--DEA (Chapter 35)
DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition, or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service related condition. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-the-job training. If you are a spouse, you may take a correspondence course. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program--VEAP (Chapter 32)
VEAP is available if you first entered active duty between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985, and you elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the Government. This benefit may be used for degree and certificate programs, flight training, apprenticeship/on-the-job training and correspondence courses. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

Vocational Readiness (Chapter 31)
A veteran or service member pending separation from military service for medical causes may be eligible for these benefits if: 1) he or she incurred or aggravated a service-connected disability on or after September 16, 1940, which entitles him or her to VA disability compensation, and 2) he or she is in need of vocational rehabilitation because the disability causes an employment handicap which has not been overcome by education or training. Vocational rehabilitation services may generally be provided for up to 48 months within a period of 12 years from the date he or she is notified of entitlement to VA disability compensation.

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