Military and veteran prospective students

Instructions

• Apply for U of I admission
• Determine whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident
  • All National Guard students are considered Idaho residents as long as they are serving in Idaho.
• Transfer military and other institutional transcripts
  • Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard use Joint Services Transcript.
  • Air Force uses Community College of the Air Force.
• Visit Financial Aid
  • Students using Veterans Administration (VA) education benefits may still be eligible for financial aid.  
• Apply for all university merit-based scholarships and financial aid through our simple step-by-step process
• Obtain Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)
  • If you have graduated from basic training or AIT within approximately the last three months, the VA may not be able to verify your eligibility. Have your unit provide you with the NOBE and submit it with the VONAPP. It can also be sent separately to the VA if necessary. View sample NOBE (PDF)

Apply for VA Educational Benefits on VA.gov

• This will take up to six weeks. Plan accordingly.
• We highly recommend students set up direct deposit. You will need your bank account information, including routing number and account number.
• Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, please ensure the Military and Veterans Services Office receives a copy. We cannot process your VA Educational Benefits without proof of your COE.

Schedule VA Educational Benefits Orientation

Contact the Military and Veteran Services Office to set up an orientation meeting by emailing veterans@uidaho.edu or calling 208-885-7989 or 208-885-7979.

Tuition Assistance (TA)

Due to recent U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) changes, GI Bill® Chapter 1606 may not be used in conjunction with federal tuition assistance. There are two kinds of TA: federal and state. State TA is called State Education Assistance Program (SEAP). Federal TA can’t be used for the same classes as Chapter 1606, but state TA (SEAP) can be used with Chapter 1606 benefits.

Students must email Christina Taylor in Student Accounts to set up federal tuition assistance. There are several steps in the process.

Request GI Bill® Certification

Students must submit a new GI Bill® Certification Request each semester they plan on using VA Educational Benefits.

Financial resources by Chapter

Benefits vary depending on the chapter students are using.

Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)

Students using the Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve, otherwise known as Chapter 1606, qualify for education and training benefits. Eligibility for this program is determined by Selected Reserve components and VA submits payments monthly. Chapter 1606 recipients are required to verify university enrollment on the 30th of each month online or by calling 877-823-2378 to receive payments.

Instructions

• Apply for U of I admission
• Determine whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident
  • All National Guard students are considered Idaho residents as long as they are serving in Idaho.
• Transfer military and other institutional transcripts
  • Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard use Joint Services Transcript.
  • Air Force uses Community College of the Air Force.
• Visit Financial Aid
  • Students using VA education benefits may still be eligible for financial aid.
• Apply for all university merit and need-based scholarships and financial aid through our simple step-by-step process.
• Obtain Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)
  • If you have graduated from basic training or AIT within approximately the last three months, the VA may not be able to verify your eligibility. Have your unit provide you with the NOBE and submit it with the VONAPP. It can also be sent separately to the VA if necessary. View sample NOBE (PDF)

Apply for VA Educational Benefits on VA.gov

• This will take up to six weeks. Plan accordingly.
• We highly recommend students set up direct deposit. You will need your bank account information, including routing number and account number.
• Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, please ensure the Military and Veterans Services Office receives a copy. We cannot process your VA Educational Benefits without proof of your COE.

Schedule VA Educational Benefits Orientation

Contact the Military and Veteran Services Office to set up an orientation meeting by emailing veterans@uidaho.edu or calling 208-885-7989 or 208-885-7979.

Request GI Bill® Certification

Students must submit a new GI Bill® Certification Request each semester they plan on using VA Educational Benefits.

Financial resources by chapter

Benefits vary depending on the chapter students are using.

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

Students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) qualify for:

• Tuition and fees – paid by the VA directly to U of I student account. These include but are not limited to fees for diplomas, lab classes, course/web fees and orientation. Fees do not include parking passes or any housing or meal plans.
• Textbook stipends – Based on number of credits taken, student can receive up to $1,000 per year, $41.67 per credit or $125 per three-credit class. Funds are direct deposit.
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)/Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – Up to $1,473 per full month (100 percent eligibility). This allowance changes annually and is based on the zip code for where you are attending classes (Moscow ZIP code is 83843) and is set at the E-5 with dependents rate. Use the BAH Calculator to find your rate.
• Student Health Insurance (SHIP) – SHIP is the university-offered insurance program for students not already covered by personal insurance. All students attending U of I must have health insurance. The bill covers this because it is a university requirement.

Instructions

• Apply for U of I admission
• Determine whether you are an in-state or out-of-state resident
  • All National Guard students are considered Idaho residents as long as they are serving in Idaho.
• Transfer military and other institutional transcripts.
  • Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard use Joint Services Transcript.
  • Air Force uses Community College of the Air Force.
• Visit Financial Aid
  • Students using VA education benefits may still be eligible for financial aid.
• Apply for all university merit-based scholarships and financial aid through our simple step-by-step process.
• Obtain Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE)
  • If you have graduated from basic training or AIT within approximately the last three months, the VA may not be able to verify your eligibility. Have your unit provide you with the NOBE and submit it with the VONAPP. It can also be sent separately to the VA if necessary. View sample NOBE (PDF)

Apply for VA Educational Benefits on VA.gov

• This will take up to six weeks. Plan accordingly.
• We highly recommend students set up direct deposit. You will need your bank account information, including routing number and account number.
• Once you receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA, please ensure the Military and Veterans Services Office receives a copy. We cannot process your VA Educational Benefits without proof of your COE.

Schedule VA Educational Benefits Orientation

Contact the Military and Veteran Services Office to set up an orientation meeting by emailing veterans@uidaho.edu or calling 208-885-7989 or 208-885-7979.

Request GI Bill® Certification

Students must submit a new GI Bill® Certification Request each semester they plan on using VA Educational Benefits.

Financial resources by chapter

Benefits vary depending on the chapter students are using.

Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

Students using the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) qualify for:

• Tuition and fees – paid by the VA directly to U of I student account. These include but are not limited to fees for diplomas, lab classes, course/web fees and orientation. Fees do not include parking passes or any housing or meal plans.
• Textbook stipends – Based on number of credits taken, student can receive up to $1,000 per year, $41.67 per credit or $125 per three-credit class. Funds are direct deposit.
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)/Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) – Up to $1,473 per full month (100 percent eligibility). This allowance changes annually and is based on the zip code for where you are attending classes (Moscow ZIP code is 83843) and is set at the E-5 with dependents rate. Use the BAH Calculator to find your rate.
• Student Health Insurance (SHIP) – SHIP is the university-offered insurance program for students not already covered by personal insurance. All students attending U of I must have health insurance. The bill covers this because it is a university requirement.

Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35 DEA)

The Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35 DEA) program offers education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to service-related conditions or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition.

This benefit is paid to students monthly.

Contact the veterans@uidaho.edu for post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits or dependent benefits information.

U of I, as a land-grant institution, embeds service into the fabric of our university. Military service is a core piece of our mission and we strive to provide resources to help you succeed.

Prospective students can apply online for admission to U of I.

Questions? Contact the Office of Admissions at 208-885-6326 or email admissions@uidaho.edu.

Moscow is close to four facilities:

• Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center in Spokane, WA – 85 miles from Moscow
• North Idaho Community Based Outpatient Clinic (offered by the Spokane center) in Coeur d'Alene, ID – 84 miles from Moscow
• Jonathan M. Wainwright Memorial VA Medical Center in Walla Walla, WA – 130 miles from Moscow
• The Lewiston Community Based Outpatient Clinic (offered by the Walla Walla center) in Lewiston, ID – 30 miles from Moscow

Your military service and training can be evaluated for college credit. For more information, contact the Registrar's Office at 208-885-6731 or email registrar@uidaho.edu.

Requesting your military transcripts

• Transcripts for the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy, including active duty, reserve and veterans, can be requested through the Joint Services Transcript.
• Transcripts for the Air Force can be requested through the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).

Other resources

• My Army benefits – This reference can be used to evaluate educational experiences in the armed services and recognize skills acquired in the military.

Academic dates and deadlines

FAFSA deadlines

Students can apply online using VA.gov.

Admission and benefits application details are broken down by service sector. View prospective student information.

Having the following documents can make the application process easier:

• Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD form 214, Member 4 copy) for all periods of active-duty service
• DD Form 2384, also known as the Notice of Basic Eligibility, if applying for the Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)
• Copies of orders if activated from the Guard/Reserves
• Supporting documents (e.g., vouchers, statements) for buy-up or buy-in contributions (only applies for Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty)
• College fund "Kicker Contracts" for additional monthly payments that you may receive from the Department of Defense through your branch of the service
• Banking information for direct deposit, including checking or savings account number and tracking number

GI Bill® approval

The first GI Bill® benefit check will normally be received approximately six weeks after the first day of class. Veterans benefit allowances, Department of Veterans Affairs programs and policies, and U of I services and procedures frequently change. To obtain current information about VA benefits, your eligibility for benefits, rate and method of payment, or the address of the nearest regional office, call the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs at 888-442-4551.

Additional resources

10 Tips for Veterans at College from U.S. News and World Report

Questions?

Students in the Moscow area can schedule an appointment for help with their application, including submission. Email Military and Veteran Services at veterans@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-7989.

Both Idaho residents and out-of-state students can attend U of I under the GI Bill®, but the process is different for each type of applicant.

Out-of-state Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) recipients

• If you are an out-of-state applicant, you need to qualify and apply for the Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance program or the Isakson and Roe Act.

Out-of-state Montgomery GI Bill® Chapter 30 recipients

• If you are an out-of-state applicant, you need to qualify and apply for the Isakson and Roe Act. Out-of-state Montgomery GI Bill® Chapter 30 students do not qualify for the Yellow Ribbon tuition assistance program

Out-of-state Montgomery GI Bill® Chapter 1606 recipients currently serving in the Idaho National Guard

• Students who are drilling with an Idaho National Guard Unit are considered Idaho residents for tuition purposes. There is no requirement to live in Idaho. U of I Admissions or Registrar's offices will make this determination.

Out-of-state VR&E (Ch 31) recipients

• Contact your VR&E counselor.

Out-of-state dependents educational Assistance Program (Ch 35 DEA) recipients

• If you do not qualify as an Idaho resident, you will be charged out-of-state tuition unless you qualify for any other university waivers.

Gaining residency upon separation

• A veteran may qualify for Idaho residency if ALL of the following requirements are met:
  • He/she is separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after at least two years of service.
  • At the time of separation, he/she designated the state of Idaho as his/her intended domicile or home of record of service.
  • He/she will be entering the university within one year of the date of separation or who moves to Idaho for the purpose of establishing domicile.
• To maintain status as a resident student, a qualifying Idaho resident must actively establish domicile in Idaho within one year of matriculation in a public institution of higher education in Idaho. Dependents of a qualifying Idaho resident student who receives at least 50 percent support from such person shall also be considered a resident student.

Idaho residents

• In-state applicants must identify their anticipated start date. An anticipated start date is when you expect to start attending U of I. This can depend on when your expiration of active service ends; the time required to complete your application, gather the necessary materials — transcripts if you qualify as a transfer student or SAT/ACT scores if you are a new student — and relocation time.

Unsure of your residency status?

• Determine if you are an Idaho resident and learn how to become a resident at the Office of the Registrar.

U of I is a Yellow Ribbon Program school. This means:

• All Idaho resident tuition and fees are paid by the Post 9/11 GI Bill®
• Out-of-state tuition is covered at 100% through an agreement between the U of I and the VA
• Around 75 Yellow Ribbon placements are available to students each academic year
• Placements are granted on a first-come, first-served basis with currently enrolled students grandfathered into the program. When placements are filled, applicants are placed on a waitlist

Not sure if you qualify? Learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program.

Section 1005 of the Isakson and Roe Act requires that all public postsecondary institutions offer in-state tuition rates to all eligible veterans and their dependents, regardless of state residency status.

Not sure if you qualify? Learn more about the Isakson and Roe Act.

You may be eligible for more than one chapter of the GI Bill®, so it is important to determine what you may rate and what your best choice is if you qualify for more than one chapter.

• Compare benefits on the VA GI Bill® Benefit Comparison Chart.
• If you have questions concerning eligibility, contact the National GI Bill® call center at 888-442-4551. The center is available 0500-1700 PST Monday through Friday.
• For additional questions or concerns regarding eligibility and/or use of benefits at U of I, email Military and Veteran Services at veterans@uidaho.edu or call 208-885-7989.

U of I’s Center for Disability Access and Resources offers assistance in determining eligibility for services and assistance, including testing commendations, assistive technology, campus accessibility, orientation and more.

The Center for Disability Access and Resources office is located in The Bruce M. Pitman Center. Contact the office at 208-885-6307 or email cdar@uidaho.edu.

Disability determination and ratings

The VA is responsible for disability determination and ratings. For assistance with disability ratings, contact the Lewiston Veterans Home at 208-750-3600. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and is located at 821 21st Ave. in Lewiston, Idaho. 

The Idaho State Board of Education requires all full-time students at U of I be covered by Affordable Care Act-compliant health insurance.

U of I will require all degree-seeking undergraduate students enrolled in 12 or more credits, graduate/law students enrolled in 9 or more credits, and all international students to submit proof of health insurance.

Personal insurance information must be submitted online before the first day of the semester. Learn more

U of I offers the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to students not covered by personal insurance. Fees for this program can be covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33).

For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) students

If you waive SHIP any time after July for Fall semester, you must inform Military and Veteran Services. Otherwise, we may include SHIP in your VA claim, and you might receive a letter of indebtedness from the VA.

Once a student is registered and a GI Bill® Certification Request has been submitted, their credits and dollars are captured and a hold is placed on their account.

This hold is placed to protect students from making enrollment changes after their Certification Request is submitted to the VA.

Once the hold is placed, a student will not be able to add, drop, or withdraw from a class until they contact Military and Veteran Services. The hold can be lifted once the implications of the changes a student wishes to make are clear.

The hold automatically expires each term at midnight on the Sunday prior to registration week for the following term.

Some classes last for the full fall or spring term and some have more limited schedules. Partial-term courses typically meet for either the first half or the second half of a term. Military and Veteran Services is required to report these partial courses separately to the VA.

A student registered for 12 credits, with a partial course worth one credit that only meets for the first half of the term, would not be considered full-time by the VA for the second half of the term. Watch closely for these courses when you register.

U of I Student Accounts and the IRS recently changed the date for posting spring term tuition and fees to January. Posting had previously been done in December.

With the change, Military and Veteran Services no longer has access to dollar amounts needed to submit to the VA until January, preventing the office from submitting Post 9/11 GI Bill® Certification Requests for spring term until then.

This will affect students participating in the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30) Active Duty only and Vocational Rehab and Employment (Chapter 31), as well as all students registered less than half-time.

This will not affect students participating in Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30) not on active duty, Dependents' Educational Assistance (Chapter 35) or Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606).

Affected students may experience a delay in receiving their first deposit in January. Any late fees charged to a student's account will be reversed once VA funds arrive and the account is current.

Many students express the desire to attend summer session, but there are a few aspects to consider:

• Summer session consists of 10 separate sessions within the term. Sessions are four, six, eight or 12 weeks long, which makes establishing full-time status difficult. If a student takes three courses each lasting four weeks consecutively, they could be considered full-time for 12 weeks. But what if sessions overlap? There could be a period of time where the student is technically more than full time and other periods where they are not full time.
• Courses are occasionally canceled due to lack of interest. Check with each college or department to see if the course you're wanting to take is at risk for cancellation.
• Summer session classes are condensed. This means you'll complete courses quicker, but content can come at you very fast. Miss a day of class and it's easier to fall behind.
• Keep your goals firmly in mind. Make good, informed choices between attending summer session or working for the summer and setting some savings aside and resting your brain.