Using VA Education Benefits

We’re excited to have you here, and on behalf of the Military Resource Team, welcome. We proudly support our military-connected students, including veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military dependents. Our office is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to campus life and providing the resources needed to support your academic and personal success.

Getting Started

  • Determine your eligibility and benefit type with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • Complete your FAFSA.
  • Apply to Bowie State University and review Tuition & Fees.
  • Confirm your degree program or major, meet with an Academic Advisor, and register for classes.
  • Each new semester you are enrolled, complete the BSU VA Certification Request form and submit it to the Military Resource Center.

Using Your VA Benefits

New and current students can use the sections below as a guide for using any of the following VA benefits.

  •  

    Congratulations on taking this important step — using your Chapter 35 Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance (DEA) at Bowie State University! We’re here to make sure the process is smooth and straightforward. Here’s a friendly guide to get started:

    1. Confirm Eligibility & Apply

    2. Register & Certify Your Courses Each Semester

    3. Verify Your enrollment

    4. Understanding Payment Details

    • The VA pays you a monthly stipend directly to you, based on enrollment level:
      • Full-time (12+ Credits): ~$1,536/month
      • ¾ time: ~$1,214/month
      • ½ time: ~$890/month (prorated)

    This value is calculated per day enrolled, not by month. For example, if the term begins on January 26th, the student would be paid for the 5 days (Jan 26th – Jan 30th) of attendance in January, not for the entire month. Full time rate of $1536.00/31 days = $49.55 per day x 5 days of attendance = $247.74 paid to the student for the month of January.

    • Payments are issued the 1st of each month for the prior month's attendance. It may take 3-5 business days for funds to reflect in your account.
    • Note: Chapter 35 is a stipend paid to the student and does not cover tuition or fees directly. Students are responsible for their bills and ensuring FULL and TIMELY payments to BSU by each semester’s add/drop period to prevent being dropped from classes. It is recommended that students enroll in a university payment plan.

    5. Reporting Changes in Enrollment

    Please contact the Military Resource Center immediately if you plan to:

    • Add/drop classes
    • Change your major
    • Withdraw mid‑semester

    These changes can affect your stipend or trigger repayment to the VA, so please reach out before you make any changes to your enrollment to discuss the possible impact.

  •  

    Thank you for your service and welcome to Bowie State University! We're honored to support our military-connected students, and we’re here to help you make the most of your Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

    To use your benefits at BSU, please follow the steps below:

    1. Apply for Your VA Education Benefits

    2. Register & Certify Your Courses Each Semester

    • To receive benefits, you must certify your enrollment EACH SEMESTER with BSU’s Military Resource Center. This is required to report your course enrollment to the VA and process benefits.
    • As soon as you have registered for classes, please submit a signed copy of the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf), as well as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Military Resource Center (in person, or via email to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu )
    • You may also submit a signed hard copy of the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf) to the Military Resource Center. Be sure to bring a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

    3. Understanding Payment Details

    • The VA only covers MANDATORY tuition and fees for courses that apply to your declared major or degree. Be sure to work with your academic advisor to ensure your schedule meets VA requirements.
    • Optional fees such as the Follett Access Bookstore Fee are NOT covered. You have an option at the start of each semester to opt out. Any out-of-pocket fees are the student’s responsibility and must be satisfied.
    • Chapter 33 students are certified in two steps. No late fees will be charged for Chapters 33 with timely certification. Any student using Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, who has provided a request to be certified for a term, will not be assessed late fees or financial penalties for the portion of the account that is covered by VA for up to 90 days. Any delay in disbursement of VA funds will not impact a student’s ability to enroll or have access to school resources that are available to other students who have already paid. Covered students will not be required to secure additional funding for the portion of the student account that is covered by their VA benefits. See VA Payment Delay Policy.  

    4. Reporting Changes in Enrollment

    Please contact the Military Resource Center immediately if you plan to:

    • Add/drop classes
    • Change your major
    • Withdraw mid‑semester

    These changes can affect your stipend or trigger repayment to the VA, so please reach out before you make any changes to your enrollment to discuss the possible impact.

  •  

    Planning to use your Chapter 31 (VR&E) VA education benefits or simply exploring what’s possible? We’re thrilled to help you confidently navigate your journey here at Bowie State University. From the moment you apply until the day you walk at graduation; we’ve got your back. Let’s walk through the steps together:

    1. Apply For Veteran Readiness And Employment

    2. Connect With Your VR&E Counselor

    • Before requesting course certification at BSU, you must have an active PO Authorization Number from your counselor.
    • Your PO Authorization Number expires after one year and a new one must be requested from your VR&E Counselor upon expiry and submitted to the Military Resource Center. Failure to provide and updated PO Number  yearly will result in non-payment of bill, and potential late fees, or dropped classes.

    3. Important Info for Your VR&E Counselor

    Tungsten Info

    Bookstore Info

    • Bookstore Facility Code: 1180622
    • Bookstore Tax ID: 36-2593135
    • Bookstore tungsten email- 0466mgr@follett.com

    Certifying Officials

    4. Enroll in Courses & Submit Your Academic Worksheet

    If your VR&E counselor gives you an academic worksheet:

    Visit the Academic Advisor Directory | Bowie State,

    • Find your program of study and contact the advisor listed or you can visit the Thurgood Marshall Library, Lower Level, Suite #082, Academic Advising to speak to a counselor.
    • Complete your Academic Worksheet and obtain necessary signatures from your advisor and a Military Resource Center school certifying official (SCO).

    Once signed, return to your VR&E Counselor for approval.

    Once approved by your VR&E counselor, you may proceed to register for your courses at Bowie State.

    5. Register & Certify Your Courses Each Semester

    • To receive benefits, you must certify your enrollment EACH SEMESTER with BSU’s Military Resource Center. This is required to report your course enrollment to the VA and process benefits.
    • As soon as you have registered for classes, please submit a signed copy of the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf), as well as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Military Resource Center (in person, or via email to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu)
    • You will need your PO Authorization # provided by your VR&E Counselor for this step and contact information for your counselor. Please ensure your PO# is not expired. If so, you must contact your VR&E counselor to request a new one. Failure to do so will result in nonpayment or delayed payment which may affect your ability to register for future terms or delay graduation.

    6. How to Request VR&E Book, supplies & Equipment (If covered) (Updated process as of Summer 2026)

    If VR&E covers your books or required equipment:

    1. You may be required to create an itemized list of books and required supplies for your courses, including their prices. Please note, only items listed on your syllabus or pre-approved by your VR&E counselor will be covered. You can do this by going to the university bookstore.
    2. Submit your list with prices to your VR&E counselor for approval.
    3. Your counselor must then issue a purchase order directly to the Follett Bookstore at BSU on your behalf.
    4. Once approved, you will able to purchase your pre-approved books and supplies in store, or online via the Follett Access Bookstore website. You may want to confirm with your counselor once it has been sent.

    Information for VR&E Counselors

    When submitting bookstore POs, please include:

    • Tungsten ID: 36-2593135
    • Facility Code: 11806220

    Submit to Follett Bookstore contact: 0466mgr@follett.com 

    7. Understanding Payment Details

    • The VA only covers MANDATORY tuition and fees for courses that apply to your declared major or degree. Be sure to work with your academic advisor to ensure your schedule meets VA requirements.
    • Optional fees such as the Follett Access Bookstore Fee are optional, but you must opt out at the start of the term. These fees are covered by your VR&E. Any out-of-pocket fees are the student’s responsibility and must be satisfied unless your VR&E counselor has approved these costs.
    • No late fees will be charged for Chapter 31 with timely certification. Any student using Chapter 31, who has provided a request to be certified for a term, will not be assessed late fees or financial penalties for the portion of the account that is covered by VA. Any delay in disbursement of VA funds will not impact a student’s ability to enroll or have access to school resources that are available to other students who have already paid. Covered students will not be required to secure additional funding for the portion of the student account that is covered by their VA benefits. See VA Payment Delay Policy.

    8. Reporting Changes in Enrollment

    Please contact the Military Resource Center immediately if you plan to:

    • Add/drop classes
    • Change your major
    • Withdraw mid‑semester

    These changes can affect your stipend or trigger repayment to the VA, so please reach out before you make any changes to your enrollment to discuss the possible impact.

  •  

    Welcome, veterans and service members! Here’s how to use your Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® (Active Duty) education benefits at Bowie State University.

    1. Apply for Your VA Education Benefits

    If you haven’t already, apply online at the VA's official site. You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).

    2. Register & Certify Your Courses Each Semester

    • To receive benefits, you must certify your enrollment EACH SEMESTER with BSU’s Military Resource Center. This is required to report your course enrollment to the VA and process benefits.
    • As soon as you have registered for classes, please submit a signed copy of the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf), as well as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Military Resource Center (in person, or via email to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu )

    3. Verify Your Enrollment

    To keep receiving your Chapter 30 benefits, you must verify your attendance every month. Here’s how:

    Skipping this step may delay or stop your payments!

    4. Understanding Payment Details

    • The VA pays you a monthly stipend directly to you, based on enrollment level:
      • Full-time (12+ credits): $2,358/month
      • ¾ time (9–11 credits): ~$1,768/month
      • ½ time (6–8 credits): ~$1,179/month
    • Payments are issued the 1st of each monthfor the prior month's attendance. It may take 3-5 business days for funds to reflect in your account.
    • Note: Chapter 30 is a stipend paid to the student and doesnot cover tuition or fees directly. Students are responsible for their bills and ensuring FULL and TIMELY payments to BSU by each semester’s add/drop period to prevent being dropped from classes. It is recommended that students enroll in a university payment plan.

    5. Reporting Changes in Enrollment

    Please contact the Military Resource Center immediately if you plan to:

    • Add/drop classes
    • Change your major
    • Withdraw mid‑semester

    These changes can affect your stipend or trigger repayment to the VA, so please reach out before you make any changes to your enrollment to discuss the possible impact.

  • The MGIB-SR is the CH1606 GI Bill. This GI Bill offers up to $466 for full time enrollment and it goes directly into your pocket. You will apply on VA.Gov and follow the steps under the Education Programs. The VA makes all final determinations on eligibility. Please allow them 4-6 weeks to process your application and send you a letter with their determination. Once you receive that letter, you will bring that to your school’s VA rep and they will certify you are in school and enrolled in classes, then the necessary payments will be made.

    1. Apply for Your VA Education Benefits

    2. Register & Certify Your Courses Each Semester

    • To receive benefits, you must certify your enrollment EACH SEMESTER with BSU’s Military Resource Center. This is required to report your course enrollment to the VA and process benefits.
    • As soon as you have registered for classes, please submit a signed copy of the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf), as well as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Military Resource Center (in person, or via email to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu )
    • Be sure to bring a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

    3. Verify Your Enrollment

    To keep receiving your Chapter 1606 benefits, you must verify your attendance every month. Here’s how:

    Skipping this step may delay or stop your payments!

    4. Understanding Payment Details

    • The VA pays you a monthly stipend directly to you, based on enrollment level:
      • Full-time (12+ credits): $466/month
      • ¾ time (9–11 credits): ~$349/month
      • ½ time (6–8 credits): ~$233/month
    • Payments are issued the 1st of each month for the prior month's attendance. It may take 3-5 business days for funds to reflect in your account.
    • Note: Chapter 1606 is a stipend paid to the student and does not cover tuition or fees directly. Students are responsible for their bills and ensuring FULL and TIMELY payments to BSU by each semester’s add/drop period to prevent being dropped from classes. It is recommended that students enroll in a university payment plan. 

    5. Reporting Changes in Enrollment

    Please contact the Military Resource Center immediately if you plan to:

    • Add/drop classes
    • Change your major
    • Withdraw mid‑semester

    These changes can affect your stipend or trigger repayment to the VA, so please reach out before you make any changes to your enrollment to discuss the possible impact.


  • Preapproval Required

    If you are a service member considering using Tuition Assistance (TA) for your education, please be aware that, in accordance with the Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), all eligible service members must obtain prior approval from their Educational Services Officer (ESO) or a counselor within their respective military service branch before enrolling in courses at Bowie State University.

    Why is this important?

    Enrolling without prior TA approval may result in you being personally responsible for the tuition and fees associated with your courses. This policy ensures that your educational benefits are properly applied and that you are not financially burdened with courses that may not be covered.

    Important Note: Failure to secure TA approval prior to enrollment may result in you being financially responsible for the tuition and fees. Bowie State University is not liable for any charges incurred due to lack of prior approval.

    Tuition Assistance (TA) Program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty civilian education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is a Public Law that is implemented by Department of Defense (DoD) Directive and DoD Instruction for eligible Soldiers (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) on active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve Soldiers on active duty (pursuant to U.S. Code Title 10 or Title 32), and TPU Soldiers are authorized to participate in the TA program.

    On November 14, 2025, the Army released ALARACT 102/2025 (Changes to Voluntary Education Policy) to announce the following policy updates to the TA Program:

    • Annual cap increased from $4,000 to $4,500
    • Semester hours increased from 16 to 18
    • Require Soldiers who are first time users of TA to take ArmyIgnitED training prior to requesting TA
    • Require Soldiers to use a decision support tool prior to requesting TA.

    Steps to Follow

    Once you have approval, please see this guide to utilize your TA at Bowie State University

    1. Verify Your Eligibility & Get Approval

    • Confirm with your education officer or benefits specialist that you qualify.
    • Secure written commander approval, you’ll need this for BSU.

    2. Pick a Degree Program

    3. Apply to Bowie State University

    4. Submit Your TA Request

    5. Send Approved TA Documents to Bowie State

    • To receive benefits, you must certify your enrollment EACH SEMESTER with BSU’s Military Resource Center. This is required to report your course enrollment to the VA and process benefits.
    • As soon as you have registered for classes, please submit a signed copy of the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf), as well as your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the Military Resource Center (in person, or via email to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu )
    • Courses can be requested up to 60 days but MUST be requested 14 DAYS PRIOR to start date of the course. Submissions made after this deadline will not be processed.
    • Note: Please notify the Military Resource Center of any changes or cancelations to your courses as soon as possible.

    6. Confirm TA Has Been Applied

    7. Key Rules & Limits to Know

    • Only active, serving service members can use TA. If you separate from service during a semester, you’re no longer eligible.
    • TA covers approved degree programs only.
    • Credit hour limits:
      • Undergrad: up to 130 semester hours or one bachelor’s degree, whichever comes first.
      • Graduate: up to 39 semester hours beyond your bachelor’s.
    • Covers up to 100% of tuition, capped at $250 per credit hour or $4,500 per fiscal year.
    • May not pay for all fees, some charges could be your responsibility.
    • Can be used with the GI Bill® but be aware of limitations.
    • Funds are first-come, first-served, so don’t delay.

    Maryland National Guard State Tuition Programs

    State Tuition Waiver (STW)

    State Tuition Waiver (STW) letters are issued by the education via email @ mdngeducation@army.mil . STW is up to 50% tuition waived at one the Maryland partner schools. To receive a waiver, you may inquire via email, or call the education office at 667-296-4144/4137/4139. View the list of state partner schools.

    Submit the approved STW form to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu.  

    View an example State Tuition Waiver Form (pdf)​

    ​State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR)

     For the STAR you will have to complete this twice in a semester. The documents need to be complete and sufficient for us to send them to the finance office. Failure to provide said documents can result in you not receiving reimbursement. 

    The initial STAR needs to be sent to us no later than 45 days after the semester starts. The documents you will need to provide us with is: 

    1. The completed STAR forms.
    2. An itemized bill showing all charges on your student account.
    3. Your class schedule. 

    The final STAR needs to be sent to us no later than 45 days after the semester ends. The documents you will need to provide us with is:

    1. An itemized bill showing all charges and payments. This bill must reflect a $0.00 balance.
    2. Your grades for the semester. 

    Please note that STAR only covers tuition and fees with a financial cap of $8500/FY. STAR will not reimburse you for books and other course supplies you may need. You MUST have at least 2 years left on your contract from the time of your course ending. If your ETS date is less than 2 years you must extend to use this benefit, inactive guard time does not count. If you fail a class (Under a C or 2.0 GPA) you will not be reimbursed for that class.

    Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)

    If you are not already using it, you should sign up for FTA on Army Ignited.

    FTA will provide you Up to $250 per SH (semester hour) or $165 per QH (quarter hour) up to 16 Credits or $4000 fiscal year/FY, whichever comes first. You MUST submit an education goal to submit your TAR, which is where you input your classes. We recommend you submit your education goal at least 10-12 days in advance of the course starting date so it can be approved. You MUST submit your funding request no more than 60 days prior to term start and no later than 8 days in advance of the course starting or else you will not be able to submit it. 

    Tutorials for Army Ignited for creating an account, creating your education goal and Tuition Assistance Requests are below:

    Tutorials:

    First, you will follow the education goal tutorial to make an education goal. 

    As of October 1, 2024, all new Soldiers to Army Ignited MUST complete Army ignited 101 training before their education goal will be approved. 

     This is required before applying for funding.

    After your goal is approved and you’ve completed the Army Ignited 101, you can apply for funding. Please see tutorials to complete that. 

    If you have any issues, please contact our office. Ms. Jamie Eddins, Education Services Specialist can assist with Army Ignited issues. 

    Her phone number is 667-296-4144 or (443)356-6676 Google Voice Number. (Text Friendly). 

    Soldiers must pass their courses, or they will be recouped.

    Passing for undergraduate courses is a C- or higher.

    Passing for graduate courses is a B- or higher.

    Please read the entirety of the STAR and STW forms as they state the service obligations on them! 

    Send completed TAR to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu

    If there are any problems or questions, please reach out to the Maryland National Guard office at: 667-296-4144/4137/4139.   

    When replying to/forwarding your forms use the following email MDNGEducation@army.mil.  

    This will ensure you receive a timely reply from someone in our office.  

    Please reach out to us if you should have any more questions. You can reach us at MDNGEducation@army.mil.

    Branch-Specific Paths

    Each service branch has its own TA portal or process (for example, Army uses ArmyIgnitED, Air Force has its own portal). You can find direct launch points through your ESO or the Military Resource Center at BSU.

    Visit your branch’s education portal or consult your ESO for exact links.


  • VA Work Study is a tax-free education benefit for students using Ch. 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, or 1606 at the state of Maryland minimum wage. Bowie State University is a VA Work Study site. You can visit here for detailed information: Work Study Benefit.

    Students who qualify should review the VA work study job description (pdf), complete a VA Work Study application VBA-22-8691-ARE Application (pdf) for work-study allowance, and submit it along with a completed BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf) to militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu.

     If you meet the qualifications below, you may complete the VA Work Study application:

      1. To qualify, students must be receiving a VA Education benefit at a level of ¾ time or greater
      2. Using VA Education benefits consisting of CH30, CH31, CH32, CH33, CH35, or CH1606.
      3. Students should complete the Application for Work Study Allowance VA Form 22-8691
      4. The Site Supervisor will review the application and submit it to Work Study. Check field 11 for accuracy.
      5. Applications may be submitted up to 45 days prior to the term
      6. Contract hours are calculated at 25 hours per week of enrollment, prorated for partial weeks, with consideration given as to when the request was received.

    If you are interested in VA Work Study, you can email the Military Resource Center and Veterans Benefits Services at militarybenefits@bowiestate.edu


  • If you are enrolled in a degree-seeking program at another institution, and wish to use VA Education Benefits while temporarily enrolled at BSU, follow these steps:

    1. Obtain a Permission To Enroll (PTE) letter from your primary (home) institution’s School Certifying Official. The letter must contain:
      • student’s name,
      • degree program at the home institution,
      • exact course(s) being taken at BSU, and
      • statement from the home institution that the credits being taken at BSU will apply to your degree at your home institution.
    2. Register for courses.
    3. Complete the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request (pdf)
    4. Submit the parent letter, BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request and your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to our office.
    5. Request a copy of your transcript to be sent to your home institution at the end of the semester.

    Once the parent letter and the BSU VA Enrollment Certification Request is received by Veteran Certification Services, a BSU School Certifying Official will certify the guest student’s enrollment to the VA.


  • VA education benefits for survivors and dependents

    If you’re a dependent or surviving spouse of a Veteran, you may be eligible for VA education benefits. If you qualify for both Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA) and the Fry Scholarship, you’ll have to pick one or the other when you apply. After you’ve made this decision, you can’t switch. But you can use transferred benefits with both DEA and the Fry Scholarship.

    Survivors’ and Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA)

    If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a Veteran or service member who has died, is captured or missing, or has a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for DEA—also called Chapter 35.

    Find out if you’re eligible for DEA and how to apply

    Fry Scholarship

    If you’re the child or surviving spouse of a Veteran or service member who died in the line of duty or from a service-connected disability on or after September 11, 2001, you may be eligible for the Fry Scholarship.

    Find out if you’re eligible for the Fry Scholarship and how to apply

    Transferred education benefits

    If you’re the child or spouse of a Veteran or service member who has requested a transfer of education benefits, you may be eligible to use those benefits.

    Find out if you’re eligible for transferred benefits and how to apply

    Other information you may need

    Learn about ways you can use your benefits.

    CHAMPVA Benefits

    Are you the spouse or surviving spouse of—or a child of—a Veteran with disabilities or a Veteran who has died? If you don’t qualify for TRICARE (the Department of Defense’s healthcare program for active-duty and retired service members and their families), you may be able to get health insurance through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA). Through this program, we cover the cost of some of your healthcare services and supplies. This is called cost sharing. Find out if you qualify for CHAMPVA and how to apply.

    Am I eligible for healthcare through CHAMPVA?

    You may only be eligible for healthcare through CHAMPVA if you don’t qualify for TRICARE and at least one of these descriptions is true for you.

    At least one of these must be true:

    • You’re the spouse or child of a Veteran who’s been rated permanently and totally disabled for a service-connected disability by a VA regional office, or
    • You’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who died from a VA-rated service-connected disability, or
    • You’re the surviving spouse or child of a Veteran who was at the time of death rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or
    • You’re the surviving spouse or child of a service member who died in the line of duty, not due to misconduct (in most of these cases, family members qualify for TRICARE, not CHAMPVA).

    A service-connected disability is a disability that we’ve concluded was caused—or made worse—by the Veteran’s active-duty service. A permanent disability is one that’s not expected to improve.

    Note: A Veteran who’s the qualifying CHAMPVA sponsor for their family may also qualify for the VA healthcare program based on their own Veteran status. If 2 spouses are both Veterans who qualify as CHAMPVA sponsors for their family, they both may now qualify for CHAMPVA benefits. Each time they need medical care, they may choose to get care through the VA healthcare program or using their CHAMPVA coverage.

    Please visit CHAMPVA Benefits | Veterans Affairs for more information, how to apply for the benefits, what benefits you get if qualified, and how long it will take to hear back.

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