In addition to GS institutional scholarships, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program, and the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program, there are several opportunities for U.S. military personnel to receive both federal and state financial aid. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of educational and vocational benefits for active duty service members, veterans, and dependents.
Veteran Resources
Additional Information
Important Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) Update
As of the Spring 2022 semester, students using their Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) benefits and receiving a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payment will be required to verify their enrollment by the end of each month to continue receiving their payments.
To streamline the enrollment verification process, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing students with text message verification, an easy and secure method for verifying enrollment each month via text and the best way to ensure they receive their MHA/kicker payments uninterrupted. Students also have the option to verify enrollment via email. Learn More.
Note: Any student who fails to submit enrollment verification for two consecutive months will have their MHA/kicker payments held until verification of enrollment.
Please review the FAQs and follow-up with the VA Education Call Center at 1-888-442-4551.
Resources for Federal Aid
In addition to veteran benefits, students are encouraged to learn more about the resources available for federal aid. Please consult with Tessie Scroggins or Chris Connelly with any questions by emailing [email protected].
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or grad school.
Resources for State Aid
In addition to veteran benefits, students are encouraged to learn more about the resources available for state aid. Please consult with Tessie Scroggins or Chris Connelly by emailing [email protected].
Several programs are available to assist with veterans' educational expenses including the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS), and Veterans Tuition Awards (VTA).
The NYS Department of Veterans' Services connects veterans with financial assistance for education available to them and their families.
Information for current and former NYS National Guard members.
Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation)
Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation) (Chapter 31) provides assistance to veterans who have a service-connected disability of at least 20 percent. More information about eligibility requirements is available on the VA website.
If approved, the program provides for the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees*, books, and supplies. In addition, veterans who are eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® will receive the housing allowance associated with that benefit while utilizing Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation). Eligible veterans may be allowed up to 48 months of full-time benefits.
*Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation) (Chapter 31) cannot be used to cover the cost of the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan. Note: Veterans Readiness does not pay the School directly for non-tuition related costs such as the Columbia Student Health Insurance Plan, housing costs, meal plans, or any other costs that you choose to add to your student account. Please be aware that you will be responsible for paying for these costs out of pocket.
Veterans considering switching from the Post-9/11 GI Bill® to Veterans Readiness and Employment should consult with the GS Office of Educational Financing for Veterans Benefits as well as a representative at the VA, as there may be additional considerations pertaining to an individual situation.
Applying for and Utilizing the Program
Students planning to utilize Veterans Readiness and Employment benefits should first notify the GS Office of Educational Financing of their decision by emailing [email protected].
- Submit the application for Veterans Readiness and Employment (formerly Vocational Rehabilitation) benefits to the VA. After completing the form, the applicant will receive written notice of eligibility from the VA, as well as a date and time to meet with a VA representative to review qualifications for the program.
- Students who are found eligible for VR&E benefits should submit a request for certification in the Student Success Portal. Your benefits will not be pre-certified until after your VR&E counselor enters an “Authorization” in the VA’s Tungsten system for tuition and fees and you submit a copy of your class schedule for semester. Once you have finalized your class schedule, please email a copy to [email protected]. It must include course numbers and titles for each class (a screenshot is fine).
- To purchase your books and supplies online, you will need your authorization number (also known as a purchase order number; begins with "3"), which can be obtained from your VR&E counselor. On the bookstore payment web page, select the VA purchase option, and enter the authorization number. If you have difficulties, reach out to the Columbia Bookstore directly and/or Tessie Scroggins, Assistant Director of Educational Financing for Veteran Benefits for GS at [email protected]. You may also visit the bookstore manager in person at 2922 Broadway to set up your VR&E account.
Resources for Military Personnel, Veterans, and Dependents
This provision of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act (Forever GI Bill) gives extra benefits to students training in the high demand fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
The Tillman Military Scholars Program supports educational opportunities for service members and their families.
Learn more about additional fellowships and resources offered by the School of General Studies.
The Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) program (Chapter 35) offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition and veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.
Information about educational benefits offered by the U.S. Army.
The VA Mortgage Center offers scholarships twice a year.
Scholarship opportunities for children and spouses of current and former Army soldiers
Scholarship opportunities for children of current and former Marines.
Scholarships are awarded to spouses of current and former service members to obtain professional certification or to attend post secondary or graduate school. Visit their website to learn more about eligibility requirements.
Meet the GS Veterans Support Team
Jazmin joined the School of General Studies in 2023. As Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Veteran Initiatives, Jazmin oversees veteran programs and initiatives at GS including Veteran and Military-Connected Orientation, Veterans Day programs, the GS Veteran Mentoring Program, and other veteran resource and community programs. She also collaborates on programs such as the Military Ball and Dean Rosen-Metsch’s Women Leaders Roundtable for Women Veterans, and works closely with staff at the Center for Veteran Transition and Integration.
Jazmin advises student groups including the Military Veterans of Columbia University (MilVets) and the Postbac Premed Student Council (PPSC), including its various premedical auxiliary groups. Additionally, Jazmin develops programming for students enrolled in the School's dual- and joint-degree programs, international students, and Postbac Premed students. She also serves on the on-call wellbeing response team in the Dean of Students Office.
Jazmin comes to GS with experience working at the City University of New York in various areas including student affairs, admissions, veteran support, student success, and the NYS-funded SEEK (Search for Education, Elevation and Knowledge) program. Having served as an adjunct professor of the freshman seminar as well as a task supervisor for graduate social work interns, Jazmin understands the importance of providing both academic and social support to students throughout their college experience. She received her MSW from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College and a BS from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Jazmin also served six years in the United States Air Force Reserve as a Knowledge Operations Manager. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, doing community service, traveling, and exploring New York City.