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

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.

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.

How to Reach Us

Financial Assistance Office
Picken Hall 202
Fort Hays State University
600 Park Street
Hays, KS 67601