Getting Started

A student who has military affiliation is anyone who holds one or more of the following military statuses or is a direct dependent of someone who has a military status listed below. Students who fall in this cohort are also called "student veterans". 

• Active Duty Servicemember
• National/Air Guard service member
• Select Reservist
• Retired Veteran
• Spouse of
• Dependent of (by birth/marriage)
• A member of the MSU ROTC

Students with military affiliation may be eligible for funding assistance under one or more of the VA or DoD educational programs or may be able to get assistance from one of the VES Scholarships. The Veterans Engagement Services (VES) team will be the direct point of contact for any student with military affiliation on campus. Although schools do not determine benefit eligibility, a team member can assist you with understanding the various benefits that are out there for students to use, as well as guide you along the way in the process. 

Take a look at the funding options included in the section below to see what you may be eligible for. If you have additional questions email veterans@morgan.edu or review our Contact Us page for specific areas of interest.

Your VA School Certifying Officials manage and certify all Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Educational funding. Below are excerpts of the potential benefits offered to military-affiliated students based on military service.

Chapter 33: Post 9/11 - The Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 provides educational assistance to individuals who served on active duty on or after September 10, 2001. These individuals must have served at least 90 aggregate days or have been discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Recipients entitled to this benefit can receive up to 36 months of education benefits, which can be increased to 48 eligible months determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs on a case-by-case basis. For more information visit the www.va.gov.  Students eligible for Post 9/11 benefits at the 100% entitlement rate could also have an opportunity to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which may make additional funding options available to a non-resident or out-of-state student, as long as the institution of higher learning attended is a participating university. To apply for benefits or get benefit assistance go to www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/

Chapter 31: Veterans Readiness & Employment Program - Veteran Readiness and Employment Service (VR&E) also known as Chapter 31: VR&E, assists veterans with a service-connected disability of at least 20 percent, and need vocational rehabilitation services for employment. Eligible veterans entitled to this benefit: have received, or will receive an honorable or other than dishonorable discharge, have a VA service-connected disability rating of 10% with a serious employment handicap or 20% or more with an employment handicap, and must apply for VR&E services. For additional information go to www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/ 

Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB-AD) - Soldiers who have served on Active Duty for at least 2 years may qualify for this entitlement. There are four eligibility categories for those honorably discharged and who meet the criteria under at least one of the categories. Select the Category titles below view the requirements and determine where you fall.  Category I, Category II, Category III, or Category IV.  Eligible recipients could have up to 10 years to utilize the Chapter 30 entitlement at the discretion of the Department of Defense. For more information or to apply for this entitlement go to www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/

Chapter 1606: Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB- SR) - Any selected reserve servicemember of the Army, Army National Guard, AirForce, Air National Guard, Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard Reserve could be eligible to receive educational/training benefit entitlement under this GI Bill for up to 36 months. Each applicant MUST have at least a 6-year service obligation in the Selected Reserve or be an officer in the Selected Reserve and agree to serve an additional 6 years outside of your original service obligation. For benefit eligibility information and how to apply go to www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/

Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA) - This entitlement was created to provide educational assistance to eligible spouses, dependents, and survivors of any military service member who has died in the line of duty, is captured or missing, or has a been identified as having a service-connected disability. Additional eligibility requirements may apply and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To determine if you are eligible for this entitlement and to get information about the application process go to www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/

Edith Nourse Rogers Stem Scholarship - The Edith Nourse Rogers (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) scholarship is an extension benefit of Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill and the Fry Scholarship. This scholarship is only available to eligible recipients pursuing educational training in the STEM field and are close to exhaustion of their current benefits. Veterans entitled to Post 9/11 and dependent recipients of the Fry Scholarship could receive up to 9 months or $30,000.00 of added benefits (whichever comes first). For additional eligibility and application details go to https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/stem-scholarship/

Federal Tuition Assistance Program (FTA) - Federal Tuition Assistance is an additional educational benefit available to all uniformed service members. Each branch of service has eligibility criteria including obligated service time, the application process, and funding restrictions. This funding pays for tuition costs and certain course-specific fees directly required for enrollment into that course. These funds are paid directly to the institution the soldier is attending and are managed by the Education Office which can assist soldiers with getting started, applications, and TA requests.

All soldiers must create an account through the portal specific to their branch of military service.

Air Force - Virtual Education Center

Army Tuition Assistance - Army Ignited 2.0

Navy

Marines

Active Duty service members may use the "MGIB - Top-Up" and their service-provided FTA to cover high-cost courses. For additional information on the Top-Up program go to Tuition Assistance Top-Up.

Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) or (TA) is not a loan; and should be considered as funds you have earned, similarly to your base pay. This funding can be used with any GI Bill funding and State Assistance. Morgan State University's Federal Tuition Assistance Program funding is managed by the Office of the Bursar and the Veterans Engagement Services team. For information about reporting requirements, documentation submission, course or class withdrawals, grades, military leave, refunds or the return of funds go to VES Resource Hub. Specific branch information about FTA requirements and TAR submissions can be found on the Military Once Source - Tuition Assistance Program website.

Maryland National Guard State Tuition Waiver (STW) - The Maryland National Guard State Tuition Waiver reduces the tuition cost by up to 50% off of tuition costs for Guard members taking undergraduate, or graduate courses at any Maryland partner school. To see if your school participates go to https://military.maryland.gov/NG/Pages/Partner-Schools.aspx. National Guard waivers are managed via a mobile app and are available to National Guard members with at least two years of service time remaining, are in good military standing, are not flagged, and are participating regularly in drilling.

For assistance with applying for the waiver and access information personnel at the Education Office can be reached by calling 667-296-4132. Applications for waiver assistance must be submitted and approved at least 10 days before the start of class for the semester intended. For additional information about Army Guard applications email ng.md.mdarng.list.education-services@mail.mil. For information about Air Guard applications email usaf.md.175-wg.mbx.tuition-assistance@mail.mil. Scan the QR codes below for more assistance with this process. 

Maryland National Guard service members are eligible to utilize the State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement Program (STAR). This program is currently only available for Army personnel who apply for the STW and will reimburse MDNG service members' tuition and fees up to 100%. The annual fiscal year cap for STAR reimbursement is $8500.00. The same eligibility requirements for MD NG State Tuition Waiver apply in addition to committing to a 2-4 year service commitment contingent upon the degree program selected. Additional educational programs include Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Graduate, and Doctoral Programs, however, they can only be used at a participating school. To see a list of partner schools go to https://military.maryland.gov/NG/Pages/Partner-Schools.aspx.

All applications must be started and emailed at least 45 days before the course begins to participate. At the close of each semester, to be eligible for reimbursement, the service member must submit documentation including transcripts with grades C or better, the final university bills showing all funding requested during the semester, and the signed STAR application within 45 days of the end of the course. All document submissions must be in PDF format and submitted after the term's last day of the course. Additional eligibility determinations can be made through the Company Commander's memorandum requests on a case-by-case basis. Funding priority may also be provided to E1 - E4 service members obtaining their first degree. For more information or to apply the MD NG Education Officer can be reached by emailing MDNGSTAR@army.mil or MDNGEDUCATION@army.mil or by calling 667-296-4132.

National Call to Service Program - The National Call to Service Program became effective on October 1, 2003, to those service members who perform a period of national service that allows you to choose an education benefit as an alternative to the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB).  For more information and eligibility requirements go to https://www.va.gov/education/other-va-education-benefits/national-call-to-service-program/.

Yellow Ribbon Program - The Yellow Ribbon Program is a benefit implemented by the Post 9/11 Veterans Educations Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows colleges and institutions of Higher Learning to partner with the VA to cover costs exceeding the 100% entitlement amount of the (uncovered costs) of out-of-state tuition for eligible Post 9/11 G.I. Bill recipients. Participating institutions contribute a set amount for the student's out-of-state tuition expense and the VA will match that amount, up to 50% of the difference. Amounts payable under the Yellow Ribbon Program vary based on the participating school, degree type, and academic program sought. To determine if you qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Program and to see the list of participating schools go to https://www.va.gov/education/yellow-ribbon-participating-schools/

All new First-Time freshmen or new incoming Transfer Students who hold any of the following military statuses (Active Duty servicemember, Select Reservist, National or Air Guard service member, Retired Veteran, Spouse, or Dependent), wishing to use VA or DoD Educational benefits, MUST first Apply for Benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).  

New First-Time Freshmen - As an additional tool to guide you through the entire Admission to Enrollment process, you can download our PDF version of the New Student Veteran Checklist. The checklist offers students a detailed step-by-step to-do list and timeline starting with the application process of becoming a Morganite up until your first day of class.

New Transfer Students - The Office of Transfer Initiatives has provided a PDF downloadable Transfer: New Student Checklist to kickstart your journey and stay on track.

The DVA approval process can take 30-45 days. Once approved and you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), in hand, the document can be uploaded into the Military Funding Request Form (MFRF). The MFRF allows multiple documents to be uploaded simultaneously so that any supplemental forms can be included in your initial submission. This is our standardized tool designed to be used by each student veteran as a request to be certified for courses taken during the term toward their Degree Plan. This document MUST be completed every term the student intends to enroll in classes, regardless of the funding used in that specific term.

NOTICE

New Transfer Students (previously benefited) - If you have used a benefit entitlement at a previous college or institution, you MUST contact the VA Educational Hotline at 888-442-4551 to submit a Change of Place and Location.  This request will allow any remaining entitlement to be transferred over to Morgan State University to be used as your new school. An updated Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be mailed to you showing any remaining benefits. Once received upload your updated COE into the VES Military Funding Request Form for review and processing. 

Retroactive Students - If you have recently been deemed eligible for benefit entitlement as a new or continuing student and have chosen a retroactive date for your benefits to start, upload your approved Certificate of Eligibility (COE) into the VES Retroactive Military Funding Request Form for review and processing. Retroactive benefits are paid based on the Department of Veterans Affairs' determination of benefit eligibility. 

DISCLAIMER - Your VA School Certifying Officials (VA SCOs) are employees of Morgan State University who work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense assisting with your approved benefit entitlement. SCOs DO NOT determine benefit eligibility, debt garnishments, or payment approvals. 

The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet was renamed and is now the College Financial Plan. This plan is a consumer tool that students and parents can use to compare the Cost of Attendance when making a college acceptance decision. Using a basic format, the Cost of Attendance (COA) budget presents one academic year's estimated educational and living expenses. (Fall & Spring).

At Morgan State University (MSU), the Office of Financial Aid will make the College Financial Plan (aka Financial Aid Shopping Sheet) available to all student veterans using the consumer information reported on the Shopping Sheet as Direct Costs that a student could incur. The College Financial Plan can be found within the student's WEBSIS profile and can also be used to provide and compare financial aid packages offered by different institutions.  To learn more about the cost of attendance, Title IV funding and refund process, and the College Financial Plan review the webpage links or contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@morgan.edu for assistance. with the application processes for Title IV student aid programs, grants, loans, and scholarships, to potential DoD TA recipients. NOTE: The Cost of Attendance information or the Shopping Sheet analysis provided is not a bill.

All Student Veterans are encouraged to reach out to their Financial Aid counselors, before enrollment to view the College Financial Plan information regarding the cost of attendance, the application processes for Title IV student aid programs, grants, loans, and scholarships, including eligible DoD TA servicemembers. As an additional tool, any Department of Veterans Affairs VA Educational Benefitted recipients or Department of Defense personnel are entitled to receive funding made available to all students through our Financial Aid institutional resources. These funds can included in your estimated costs of attendance using the downloadable Interactive VA MSU Direct Campus Cost/Resources Worksheet, in PDF format.

To determine the current rates of tuition & fees, as well as view the billing schedule and refund process go to https://www.morgan.edu/bursar. The 2024-2025 snapshot of the cost of attendance is provided below. All health insurance costs for 2024-2025 have not been finalized. (Figures shown below are based on the 2023-2024 Academic Year)

A continuing student recently approved for entitlement or wishing to continue to use your benefit again, must still hold one or more of the military statuses listed below. 

• I am a Retired Veteran From the U.S. Armed Forces or
• I am an Active Duty Servicemember or 
• I am a current Select Reserve Service member or 
• I am a current National/Air Guard Service member or 
• I am a spouse of an Active Duty, Retired, or Deceased member of the U.S. Armed Forces or 
• I am a dependent of an Active Duty, Retired, or Deceased member of the U.S. Armed Forces or 
• I am a Transfer or Continuing student interested in becoming a Commissioned Officer or 
• I am or have an interest in the ROTC Military Science Program as a new or continuing student cadet

Remember that all educational benefits and funding are considered "At Will" benefits and can be used at any time during any term hosted by the university.

Continuing students are required to complete the Military Funding Request Form (MFRF) for the term being requested. This form is mandatory for all student veterans regardless of classification or degree level. The MFRF should be completed regardless of the funding being used as well. In all cases, a valid registration must be in the system at the time of form submission. The Military Funding Request is a term-based form, and a separate form should be completed for each term attended using the specific term dates identified on the university's academic calendar. This form can be found on the VES Online forms page and is linked here. 

All forms are reviewed by a VES staff member before processing.  All form submissions require at least one document upload, that verifies the funding entitlement (ie Certificate of Eligibility or MD NG State Tuition Waiver form, etc.). One form should be completed per term and the processing time can range from 3 - 30 business days per submission once all documentation is received. 

NOTE: Any missing, or incomplete supplemental documentation or duplicate forms may delay processing times.

Students can view the progress of their Military Funding Request Form submissions using the Service Request feature in their WEBSIS account menu by accessing the SmartSheet Dynamic View and looking for the veterans@morgan.edu dashboard. 

If you have additional questions about this process or your benefits please contact the Veterans Resource Coordinator or email veterans@morgan.edu.