California State University, Bakersfield is approved by the State of California as a training facility for veterans applying for VA benefits. The Office of Veterans Affairs provides services to veterans and dependents of veterans who are eligible for military benefits. These services include certification of enrollment for educational benefits; direct liaison between the University and the Veterans Administration Regional Office regarding underpayment, overpayment, or non-payment of benefits; veteran's work-study; and information concerning University services.
The Department of Veterans Affairs administrators the following benefit programs to assist students:
- The Post-9/11 GI Bill
- Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD)
- Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
The following programs can help you access quality education, pay for school, and navigate the challenges of leaving the military:
- The Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) is a type of savings program that allows service members to direct a portion of their pay to an educational savings fund. The government matches these funds two-to-one, effectively multiplying the contribution threefold. You can use these funds up to 10 years after leaving the military.
- The National Testing Program helps fund the costs of academic tests, such as the ACT and SAT. The government reimburses veterans for most fees associated with these tests, including registration fees, fees to take special tests, and administrative costs.
- The National Call to Service Program (NCS) allows service members and some other people who have volunteered for public service to select a specific educational benefit in lieu of applying for Montgomery GI benefits. You may choose from repayment of student loans valued at up to $18,000, a cash bonus of $5,000, or various forms of educational assistance that can cover some portion of tuition and fees similar to that covered by the Montgomery GI Bill.
Benefits for Veterans' Dependents and Survivors
Survivors and dependents of veterans also make sacrifices in the service of the country. The government offers two key programs to fund their education.
Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship
The Fry Scholarship offers money to the dependents and children of service members who died in military service after September 10, 2001. Recipients may receive up to 36 months of benefits to cover 100 percent of their tuition and fees if they attend public schools and are eligible for in-state tuition.
Survivors and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (DEA)
DEA is a benefit program for the survivors and dependents of veterans who were disabled or killed in the service of their country. Like other programs, the fund covers up to 36 months of schooling, though the specific funding rate varies. Unlike some other programs, DEA covers a wider range of training options, including apprenticeships and professional certifications.
Other Benefits to Consider
Veterans whose full educational costs are not covered by the GI Bill® or a related program are often eligible for additional sources of aid. The process begins with filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education. The FAFSA helps students apply for:
- Federal student loans. Subsidized loans, which are need-based, prevent interest from accruing while students are in school. Unsubsidized loans accrue interest, and so the debt accumulates faster. Interest rates are fixed, which means the debt will not suddenly balloon, though the specific rate you'll pay varies depending on the type of loan you receive. Interest rates for these loans are typically lower than those of private loans.
- Grants. Students with demonstrated financial need are eligible for some federal grants, including the Pell Grant.
- Federal work-study. Students can use the federal work-study program to receive compensation for tuition, fees, and other school expenses while working at an eligible job.
In addition to federal aid programs, students may also be eligible for:
- Merit-based aid, such as scholarships. Visit the CSUB Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for help finding scholarships for which you may be eligible.
- Grants from local organizations or private companies. For example, your employer might offer grants to returning learners, or a civic organization in which you participate may help fund tuition.
- Private loans. Private loans are unsubsidized and are similar to most other loans. You'll need to apply for the loan through a bank or credit union. The loan amount is based on your credit and demonstrated ability to repay the money.
If you need assistance with applying or the admissions process, contact the Veterans Success Center at (661) 654-3557 or by email at org-veterans@csub.edu.