Military and Veteran's Education Benefits

Why Should I Choose Delta State as a Veteran or Military Service Member?

Delta State is deeply committed to supporting those who have served in the military. Our Veteran Services office serves as a one-stop resource, offering guidance on everything from navigating your educational benefits to helping you with academic advising, career counseling, and even mental health support if needed. We have a team who is well-versed in military culture and is dedicated to ensuring you receive the recognition, support, and assistance you deserve every step of the way. Whether you need help understanding your benefits, adjusting to student life, or balancing academics with family or work commitments, our staff is here to advocate for you.

Veterans Affairs Education Benefits

Veteran education benefits, such as the GI Bill®, provide financial assistance to veterans and active-duty service members to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. These benefits are designed to support the pursuit of higher education, vocational training, and apprenticeships. Depending on the program, eligible individuals may receive monthly stipends for living expenses, as well as coverage for books and supplies. The specific benefits vary by service history and eligibility, but they are intended to ensure that veterans have access to quality education and training as they transition to civilian careers.

Get Certified for Veterans Affairs Benefits

To get certified for Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits, start by checking your eligibility for programs like the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Montgomery GI Bill®. Once you are eligible, apply for benefits through the VA’s online portal. After approval, submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Veteran Services office. Our SCO will guide you through the process of certifying your enrollment with the VA to ensure you receive the appropriate benefits. It’s important to stay in touch with the Veteran Services office to verify that your enrollment is properly submitted and processed. Additionally, maintain your eligibility by meeting the school’s academic requirements, and notify the SCO and the VA if you make any changes to your program or place of study.

Apply for Veterans Affairs Benefits

To apply for VA education benefits, begin by verifying your eligibility through the VA’s website or by contacting your school’s Veteran Services office. Once you’re eligible, you can submit your application online through the VA’s Education and Training Application portal.

The VA will typically get back to you within 30 days after submitting your application and will provide you with your Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which you’ll then send to your SCO. If you already have a COE, you won’t need to reapply.

The VA may ask for a copy of the following:

Maintaining Veterans Affairs Education Benefits

To maintain your VA education benefits, it’s essential to stay enrolled in an approved program and attend classes regularly while meeting your school’s academic requirements. If you make any changes to your enrollment, such as switching programs or dropping classes, notify both the School Certifying Official and the VA immediately to avoid disruptions in your benefits.

Additionally, stay in regular contact with the Veteran Services office to ensure your enrollment is properly certified each term. Finally, respond promptly to any surveys or requests from the VA to keep your benefits active and in good standing. Members of Chapters 1606, 1607, and 30 must verify continued enrollment with the VA in order to receive their next monthly deposit. You must submit a verification of VA Enrollment sheet to the SCO each semester you are enrolled at Delta State University.

Delta State Military and Veterans Scholarships

Delta State University is dedicated to supporting military service members through a variety of scholarships specifically designed for veterans and active-duty service members. These scholarships are aimed at making higher education more accessible, helping to alleviate financial burdens so that service members and their families can focus on achieving their academic goals. The university is committed to ensuring that military students have the resources they need to succeed.

Federal Tuition Assistance

FTA is financial assistance provided for voluntary off-duty education programs that support a veteran or military service member’s academic, professional, or personal goals. Generally, TA recipients are eligible to receive up to $250 per semester hour, with a maximum of $4,500 per fiscal year. Each Military Service branch has its own eligibility requirements. To determine your eligibility, contact your Education Service Office (ESO).

Apply for Federal Tuition Assistance

To apply for Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA), service members should first create an account on the ArmyIgnitED portal for Army members, or the respective service branch’s portal (e.g., Air Force, Navy, Marines, etc.). After registering, you’ll need to submit a Tuition Assistance request, including the course or program details and cost information. Once approved, the tuition funds will be sent directly to your school. Be sure to follow your branch’s specific guidelines and deadlines for submitting FTA requests to ensure timely processing. You will need to send approval to the SCO and Delta State’s Student Business Services.

Mississippi National Guard State Educational Assistance Program

The Mississippi National Guard State Educational Assistance Program (SEAP) provides financial support to eligible members of the Mississippi National Guard who are pursuing higher education. The program offers tuition assistance (up to $10,000 per fiscal year) for undergraduate and graduate programs at accredited institutions within Mississippi, helping reduce the financial burden of education for Guard members. To apply, service members must meet eligibility requirements and submit the necessary application through the Mississippi National Guard Education Office.

Return of Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may require veterans to return unearned benefits, including tuition assistance (TA) funds, if they stop attending a course before completing a certain percentage of the semester. The required return amount and percentage depend on the course length and the point at which the veteran discontinued attendance.

Support to Ensure Your Holistic Success

Delta State University offers a range of services to support students’ mental, physical, and overall well-being, including counseling services, wellness programs, and access to on-campus healthcare. The university is committed to providing resources that promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle for all students.

Health & Counseling Services

Delta State University is dedicated to supporting the physical and mental well-being of its students through a variety of health and counseling services. With confidential counseling, engaging wellness programs, and easy access to medical care, the university ensures that students have all the resources they need to flourish both academically and personally.

Student Success
Center

Delta State University’s Student Success Center is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals by offering tutoring, academic advising, and various support services. The center provides resources to enhance learning, build skills, and ensure students are equipped for success throughout their college journey.

Frequently Asked Questions