Office of Military & Veterans Services (OMVS)

 

1. Securing Your Benefits from the Federal VA

The first step is to visit the VA website and apply for the appropriate benefit. Sending in a hard copy application by postal mail will significantly delay this process. You can also seek help in this process by calling the VA Education Helpline at 888-442-4551.

Students should not indicate Howard University as their Institution of Higher Learning (IHL) unless they have been accepted for admission and confirmed their attendance. Once they have applied for benefits and been approved, students will receive what is called a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Students can also go to the VA website and see how many months of benefits they have used and how many remain. The newest and fastest way to get your VA Benefits questions answered is by using the Ask VA tool online.

• How to Apply For Transferred Chapter 33 Benefits
  • Click "Find your education benefits form"
  • "Are you applying for a benefit or updating your program or place of training?" Answer: "Applying for a new benefit"
  • "Are you a Veteran or service member claiming a benefit based on your own service?" Answer: "No"
  • "Is your sponsor deceased, 100% permanently disabled, MIA, or a POW?" Answer: "No"
  • "Has your sponsor transferred their benefits to you?" Answer: "Yes"
  • Click "Apply now"
• How to Apply for Chapter 35 Benefits
  • Click "Find your education benefits form"
  • "Are you applying for a benefit or updating your program or place of training?" Answer: "Applying for a new benefit"
  • "Are you a Veteran or service member claiming a benefit based on your own service?" Answer: "No"
  • "Is your sponsor deceased, 100% permanently disabled, MIA, or a POW?" Answer: "Yes"
  • Click "Apply now"

 

2. Using Your VA Benefits at Howard University

Each academic term that you choose to use your benefits, you must complete a Certification Request here on our website in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section below. The survey will ask you several questions to establish your identity, provide a place to upload your digital (PDF, DOCX, JPG, PNG) COE, and request enrollment information.

Helpful Hint: Please do not bring hard copies of your COE or other documents to our office as we are now establishing fully digital files for students.

Students can request to be certified benefits as early as 60 days before the beginning of a term. All current OMVS students will be notified by email when the survey for the next semester is open for certification requests. Students must be registered for classes in a current or upcoming term before requesting to use their benefits as enrollment must be verified to the federal VA using the online VA Enrollment Manager system for certification. This is the digital process for VA Forms 22-1999. Paper forms are going to be phased out by the federal VA.

Helpful Hint: Please have your VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE), Bison ID #, and class schedule available when you complete your Certification Request!

 

 

3. Certification Process for Students at Howard University

Howard University follows a two-step certification process (mandated by law). 

1. Initial enrollment for federal VA education benefits establishes eligibility for monthly stipends (and book stipends for 100% Chapter 33 students) paid out by the federal VA.
   1. Monthly stipend payments do not begin until the month AFTER school starts.
   2. All questions concerning monthly and/or book stipends should be directed to the federal VA.
2. After the add/drop date for main campus, students' enrollment will be amended to confirm their registered hours and to enter their tuition and fees (for Chapter 31 and 33 students).
   1. Payment from the federal VA is not received immediately and must follow a specific process through VA approval, Federal Treasury approval, Howard Treasury receipt, Howard Bursar posting and refund processing. 

VA Certification Notes:

• Students will be certified in the order requests are received. Students will receive a system-generated email from the federal VA once they are certified.
• We recommend that students enroll in classes and request to be certified as early as possible after the survey is released for the upcoming term to establish their monthly stipend for the next term.
• Newly admitted students must wait until orientation or a scheduled appointment with their program to be allowed to register.
• Changes in enrollment for students must be reported to the VA within 30 days. Please self-report changes using the Updates Survey for the current term in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section below as soon as they occur to avoid debt to the VA and/or Howard University. However, all students will be monitored throughout the semester by OMVS. 
• All students' final registered hours, final grades, and graduation status will be verified again at the end of the semester. Changes in enrollment (including dropping below full-time, 'W' grades, and total withdrawal) and scholarships that were not reported may result in debt to the VA and/or Howard University.
• ​All stipends and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments are sent directly to the bank account (direct deposit is recommended) or address (mailed payments may have additional delays) on file with the federal VA. You can update your direct deposit with the VA online or by calling (800) 827-1000.
  • To continue receiving monthly payments:
    • Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must report enrollment via WAVE.
      • ***We STRONGLY encourage that students self-report to the VA and do not allow family members to complete this requirement to avoid processing errors.
• Chapter 33 Need-to-Know:
  • Chapter 33 students will receive their book stipend before their monthly stipend if they request to be certified before the term starts.
  • Chapter 33 students must be enrolled in at least one hybrid or on-campus course to receive a full monthly stipend. Otherwise, they will only receive half the national average.
  • Chapter 33 students must confirm their enrollment using monthly verification directly to the federal VA to continue receiving their monthly stipend.
    • ***We STRONGLY encourage that students self-report to the VA and do not allow family members to complete this requirement to avoid processing errors.
• Chapter 31 Need-to-Know:
  • Chapter 31 students will have access to their books & supplies funds directly at the Howard Barnes and Noble Bookstore early if their VA counselor sent approval directly to the bookstore before the semester starts.
  • Chapter 31 students must discuss their program with their VA VRE counselor to receive a full monthly stipend. Otherwise, they will only receive half the national average.

 

4. Reconciliation of Student Accounts with VA Education Benefits

Per federal law, Chapter 31 and 33 students cannot be penalized for the delay in tuition and fee payment from the VA. Please refer to our "VA Legislative Policies" section. After tuition and fees are paid to the University by the VA for Chapter 31 and 33 students, we will make sure that payments match what is expected. For Chapter 33 students, there is a cap on the amount of tuition and fees the VA will cover per academic year (Fall to Summer) at Howard because we are a private institution. Yellow Ribbon is now available to all eligible Chapter 33 beneficiaries at the 100% benefit level (with other additional eligibility), however there is still a gap in funding due to an increase in tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year. All eligible Yellow Ribbon beneficiaries will automatically be enrolled by OMVS once a request to be certified is submitted.

All scholarships that apply to only tuition and fees must be reported to the VA no matter when they are received by Howard. The amount billed to the VA may be adjusted at any time after these scholarships are discovered. Please self-report changes using the Updates Survey for the current term in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section below as soon as they occur to avoid debt to the VA and/or Howard University.

Chapter 1606 and 35 students do not receive tuition and fees payments from the VA and are responsible for meeting all posted University deadlines for payment on their student account.

All students will be closely monitored, and changes in enrollment are required to be reported to the VA within 30 days. Please self-report changes using the Updates Survey for the current term in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section below as soon as they occur to avoid debt to the VA and/or Howard University.

 

 

VA EDUCATION BENEFITS CERTIFICATION PROCESS

ALL students MUST complete the online Certification Request EVERY semester they want to use benefits as mandated by law. The following items must be complete:

1. Receiving VA approval for education benefits which means uploading a digital COE into the online Certification Request
   1. This is how you prove to Howard University that you have VA benefits. Chapter 31 students must have their VA counselors submit approval through Tungsten.
2. Being issued a Howard Bison ID and entering the correct ID# including the ‘@’ symbol into the online Certification Request
   1. This means you must be an admitted and current student.
3. Enrolling (not waitlisted) in classes and entering all course information requested into the online Certification Request
   1. This is REQUIRED for certification to the VA. You are paid by the VA based on your enrollment and additional monthly verification by YOU to the VA may be required based on your chapter. See the FAQ for more information.

Helpful Hint: Make sure there are no holds on your student account far before registration time to ensure you get the classes you need.

 

PAST TERMS

• Click here to be certified for the Spring 2023 semester! You must complete the entire Certification Request and receive the confirmation email to be certified. Do NOT complete this form more than ONE time.
• Already asked to be certified but need to report changes for the term? Click here to update your Spring 2023 Certification!

 

CURRENT TERMS

• Summer 2023
  • Click here to be certified for the Summer 2023 term! You must complete the entire Certification Request and receive the confirmation email to be certified. Do NOT complete this form more than ONE time.
  • Already asked to be certified but need to report changes for the term? Click here to update your Summer 2023 Certification!

 

UPCOMING TERMS

• Fall 2023
  • This Certification Request will be released about 60 days before fall term starts. Please bookmark our webpage!

 

VA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS

The OMVS also processes payments for VA Health Professional Scholarship Program (HPSP). Students whose tuition is paid by the military (except Tuition Assistance which is currently not available) must follow the Third-Party Billing instructions. VA HPSP students will have their enrollment verified and all restrictions in their contract will be followed prior to billing.

 

PAST TERMS

To be processed for Spring 2023, please complete the Spring 2023 VA HPSP Form. Authorization numbers for each student must be received from the VA HPSP Programs and the main campus drop date may pass before the VA is billed.

 

CURRENT TERMS

To be processed for Summer 2023, please complete the Summer 2023 VA HPSP Form. Authorization numbers for each student must be received from the VA HPSP Programs and the main campus drop date may pass before the VA is billed.

 

UPCOMING TERMS

To be processed for Fall 2023, bookmark our website and stay tuned for the release of Fall 2023 VA HPSP Form later this summer!

 

Admissions & Enrollment

I'm a veteran or military student applying to go to Howard. Is there a special application process?

All prospective students use the same process for application regardless of veteran/military status. Howard University does not offer fee waivers for veterans/military. If you are interested in a particular program and wish to learn more about it, we recommend that you reach out to the Department and request more information: 

• Undergraduate Admission: Some programs have additional requirements.
  • All undergraduate programs are now closed for admission for Fall 2023.
• Graduate Admission
• Professional Admission

 

Why do I need to submit transcripts for my prior colleges/universities to Howard?

One of the criteria for approval of any school for Veterans' training is that it reviews prior credit and grant credit as appropriate to a VA student's current program. This is found in Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Sections 21.4253(d)(3) and 21.4254(C)(4). In essence, this requires every approved school to have and enforce a policy with regard to transfer courses, credits, and previous experience.

Please submit these official documents to the Howard University, Office of Admissions, in one of the following ways:

1. Through an e-transcript system (e.g. Parchment, or the National Student Clearinghouse.  If asked for the recipient’s email address, please provide transfer@howard.edu -- highly preferred) to be officially considered for transfer credits. Note, student email submissions directly to the university are NOT accepted.
2. Via mail (not preferred) in the original envelope from the institution which has remained sealed and unopened, please provide, or use the following address: Howard University, Attn: Transfer Services, 2400 6th Street NW, Suite 105, Washington DC, 20059

 

How do I join the ROTC as a student at Howard?

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) are part of the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University. Please contact their respective programs below for more information:

·       Air Force ROTC including Space Force

·       Army ROTC

Students wishing to participate in Coast Guard College Pre-Commissioning Initiative (CSPI) or Naval ROTC (including Marine Corps) can remain students at HU while participating in local programs for these branches.

 

Does Howard University accept Tuition Assistance?

Tuition Assistance is a way for active-duty service members and some reservists to receive tuition support while enrolled in classes.  Howard is not currently eligible to accept Tuition Assistance, but the University hopes to be able to be reinstated in the future.

 

What financial aid is there for veterans/military-connected students at Howard?

ALL students should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which opens on October 1st every year for the next academic year. This information helps Howard University award you grants (money you don’t have to pay back!) that you may not know you are eligible for from the federal government as well as scholarships (money you don’t have to pay back!)  through the Common Application and the University.

Additionally, if you scroll down our page, you will find a list of scholarships explicitly for veterans, service members, military spouses, and military children from a bunch of organizations that love to support military-connected students! Use our new Benefits & Schedules Updates Survey to report any scholarships you receive so we can celebrate with you!

 

What is Work Study?

There are two different types of work study programs available to veterans and military-connected students. 

1. Federal Work Study is available through Howard University to all students who qualify. Qualification is based on your financial package and requires you to fill out a FAFSA.  Any position through this office will be posted on Handshake with all other positions. 
2. VA Work Study is a tax-free education benefit for students using Ch. 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, or 1606 at the Washington, DC minimum wage. Howard University is a VA Work Study site. Students who qualify should review the job description, complete a VA Work Study application, and submit it via the Summer 2023 Certification Updates form. 

If you meet the qualifications below, you may complete a summer VA Work Study application. 

1. You are enrolled for summer courses at ANY school approved for VA education benefits.
   1. If you are not enrolled at HU for Summer 2023, you are required to submit your summer schedule from the other school with your application via the Summer 2023 Certification Updates form. 
2. You are enrolled at least ¾ (or 75%) time. 
   1. For undergraduate students, this means being enrolled in at least 4.5 units/credits for the summer. 
   2. For graduate/professional students, this is usually determined by your program. 
      1. OMVS must have their full-time summer enrollment number in writing from an administrator of the program.
3. You must be using VA education benefits (Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, or 1606).
   1. Chapter 33 students must remember that summer tuition is not covered due to the VA tuition cap if their program costs the same or more than an undergraduate degree at HU. You will still receive the monthly stipend and will use up months of eligibility. 
      1. Any Chapter 33 student who started in spring term or summer will be their first term of the year will have at least part of their summer tuition covered.

 

Can I use FAFSA with VA benefits?

Yes! We STRONGLY recommend that you do because the VA has a tuition cap for what they cover at Howard which is less than the cost of tuition at the University. To see what the VA pays for each VA Education Benefit use the VA's online comparison tool.

 

Can I use scholarships with VA education benefits?

Yes! Use our new Updates Form to report any scholarships you receive so we can celebrate with you!

NOTE: Some scholarships that are solely for tuition and fees will be subtracted from Chapter 31 and 33 tuition and fee payments.

 

What if I must defer admission due to military service?

Make sure you complete all required forms for your admission to start the deferment process. Then, send an email with your full name, Howard ID, program/major so we can support your deferment request.

 

What if I must defer attendance due to military service?

Make sure you complete all required forms for your college and department to start the deferment process. Then, send an email with your full name, Howard ID, program/major so we can support your deferment request.

 

How do I request Enrollment Verification?

Enrollment verification is only available for enrolled students which means you must have a schedule for the term you need verified. You also need to determine whether you need a campus verification of enrollment or a specific form for the VA or the Department of Defense.

Campus verifications of enrollment are available through BisonWeb for all enrolled students.

VA forms must be requested via veterans@howard.edu by the STUDENT. The two forms used by our office are the form VBA-21-674b-ARE (School Attendance Report) or the CHAMPVA School Enrollment Certification Letter.

 

How do I waive the Student Health Insurance Fee?

Please proceed to the following website and upload your proof of insurance by September 30th every year for new students in fall and continuing students. Students in admitted in the spring will have a spring deadline.

 

How do I request academic and/or housing accommodations through the Office of Student Accessibility?

The earlier you request accommodations, the better! You can request accommodations for multiple conditions at the University by going to the website below:

Howard University Office of Student Accessibility

NOTE: A physician's documentation is required. Veterans/prior service with a federal VA disability rating can start by submitting their full ratings letter from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA).

 

What is FERPA?

• The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99.
• OMVS will communicate directly with the student concerning all aspects of their student file including certification to the VA. 

 

Why do I have to email the general email inbox? Why can't I send my email directly to OMVS staff? 

• If a staff member leaves HU, those student emails are then lost to other OMVS staff.
• As we add additional staff to OMVS (yay!), all staff have access to veterans@howard.edu which will get you the fastest response!

 

-Why can't OMVS help with some of my questions? 

• Since our office is NOT the federal VA, we do not have the answers to some of your questions and must refer you to the federal VA.
• The contact information for the VA is always right underneath OMVS contact information here on our website!

 

VA Education Benefits

What are the different benefits that can be used at Howard University?

Veterans and military-connected students can use a variety of different benefits.  While a detailed list of all benefits can be found on the VA's website, below are some of the most used benefits and some information about each one. You must apply for each benefit through the VA and be issued a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before you can use them at the University.

Chapter 33

Chapter 33 (Post-9/11) beneficiaries generally receive a book stipend, a monthly housing allowance, and payment towards tuition and fees. You may also be eligible for tutoring assistance. They may also be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program under certain conditions. Chapter 33 must use report enrollment using monthly verification directly to the VA.

Chapter 33 – Transfer of Entitlement

Qualified dependents of active duty or Selected Reserve members may be able to transfer their Post-9/11 benefits under certain conditions. This right is exercised by the Department of Defense and they have the final say over whether benefits will be transferred. They may also be eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program under certain conditions. Chapter 33 must use report enrollment using monthly verification directly to the VA.

Fry Scholarships

Learn about the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship), a scholarship for children and spouses of certain Veterans. If your parent or spouse died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, while serving in one of the Armed Forces, or was a member of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability, you may qualify for this benefit. They are also eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program. Chapter 33 must use report enrollment using monthly verification directly to the VA.

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship

The Edith Nourse Rogers Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) Scholarship allows some eligible Veterans and dependents in high-demand fields to extend their Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Fry Scholarship benefits for up to 9 months. Chapter 33 must use report enrollment using monthly verification directly to the VA.

Chapter 35 

Chapter 35 (DEA) beneficiaries receive a monthly housing allowance.

NOTE: Chapter 35 students may only switch to Chapter 33 within the same term per federal VA policy. 

Chapter 1606

Chapter 1606 (Montgomery Selected Reserve) beneficiaries receive a monthly housing allowance. To continue receiving monthly payments, Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must report enrollment via WAVE.

Chapter 30

Chapter 30 (Montgomery Active Duty) beneficiaries receive a monthly housing allowance. You may also be eligible for tutoring assistance. To continue receiving monthly payments, Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must report enrollment via WAVE.

Chapter 31 

Chapter 31 (VR&E) beneficiaries can receive a book & supplies voucher, tuition and fee support, a monthly stipend/housing allowance, and other support based on their VR&E counselor's recommendations.

 

When do we apply for benefits at Howard?

Using benefits at the University is called certification. An online Certification Request to ask for certification of benefits will be posted on this website prior to the end of the preceding semester. You should complete the online Certification Request as soon as you are enrolled in classes since you must confirm your enrollment for the online Certification Request. If you have any holds on your account, this may prevent you from enrolling in classes which will delay your certification. Some programs at the University are not approved by the VA for certification.

 

What is a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?

After a student applies online for benefits and the VA approves it, the VA provides a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).  This is necessary for the University to properly process your benefits.  All students receiving benefits except Chapter 31 must have a COE on file. Chapter 31 students must ensure that their VR&E counselor has sent a Purchase Order (PO) to Howard for Tuition & Fees as well as to the Howard Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) for books and supplies.

If you need a replacement COE, you can use the new Ask VA tool online or call the VA Educational Benefits helpline at (888) 442-4551

 

How does certification for VA education benefits work?

Howard University follows a dual or two-step certification process (mandated by law). After each certification, the student will be sent an automated email to the email address provided by the VA system.

1. Students will be certified before the beginning of the semester to ensure that the first payment is paid on time.  Early certification will also ensure that students receiving Chapter 33 benefits will receive their book stipend and students using Chapter 31 will have access to their book voucher early. Students will receive a certification email from the VA system once they are certified.
2. After add/drop, students will be certified again to confirm their registered hours and to enter their tuition and fees (for Chapter 31 & 33 students).

All stipends and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments are sent directly to the bank account or address on file with the VA. You can always call the VA to discover where the payments are going. To continue receiving monthly payments, Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must report enrollment via WAVE. Chapter 33 must use report enrollment using monthly verification directly to the VA.

Helpful Hint: Make sure there are no holds far before registration time to ensure you get the classes you need. The VA will only recognize classes that contribute to your academic degree. Also, Chapter 33 students must be enrolled in at least one hybrid or on-campus hour to receive full MHA. Otherwise, they will only receive half the national average. Chapter 31 students should check with their VRE counselor about how online courses will impact their monthly stipend.

 

How do I take classes at another college/university as a HU student?

You MUST submit a fully approved and signed Transfer Course Petition from your academic department to veterans@howard.edu

Currently, Consortium courses are NOT approved under VA policy and will not count towards your minimum units for full-time for VA Benefits. The VA is aware of this issue.

 

How much is my Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or stipend each month?

The VA offers an online comparison tool of all benefits that can be used at the University. You can see what your MHA and/or stipend will be using the tool.

Periodically, the government will update the amount of monthly payment for cost of living. You can check current rates for your chapter of benefit here.

 

When will we receive Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or stipend money for the semester?

Monthly payments begin the month after school starts if certification was requested in a timely manner. Please note that to ensure a timely disbursement of funds, students must submit the Certification Request for the semester for which they wish to be certified as soon as they are registered for classes. Certification can happen up to 60 days before the first day of class. Students who are certified late in the semester may experience a delay in their benefits. After students receive their initial payment, the VA will distribute their MHA and/or stipends each month for the prior month.

• Generally, you will be paid from the 1st to the 5th of the NEXT month after you are certified. However, the closer you certify to the end of the month, the more likely it will take the VA until the 2nd month to pay you. For example, you were certified on August 25th, generally you will not get paid until October 1st or after.
• How You Will Be Paid: The VA prorates your MHA for the actual days you are enrolled in school. For example, the fall semester starts in late August so you will receive around $700 (for Chapter 33) for August after September 1st (if you were certified by mid-August). You will receive the full amount for September, October, and November since you will be enrolled the full month. Then, you will receive a prorated amount for December again since classes end before the end of the month.

Chapter 33 students may receive a book stipend earlier than MHA. Chapter 31 students should have their books and supplies POs (vouchers) sent directly to the Howard Bookstore (Barnes & Noble) by their VR&E counselor.

For VA questions concerning MHA (Monthly Housing Allowance) or stipends, you can use the new Ask VA tool online or call the VA Educational Benefits helpline at (888) 442-4551. This is especially important if you need documentation about the amount of your MHA or stipend! 

All stipends and Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments are sent directly to the bank account or address on file with the VA. You can always call the VA to discover where the payments are going. To continue receiving monthly payments, Chapter 30, 1606, and 1607 must report enrollment via WAVE. Chapter 33 must use report enrollment using monthly verification directly to the VA.

 

When will my Tuition and Fees be paid?

For Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 students, tuition and fees will be billed to the VA after the final add/drop/withdrawal date for main campus for each semester. For Chapter 33, there is a cap to the amount of tuition that the VA will pay per year on the VA’s online comparison tool.

We must verify that each student is still enrolled in the courses they reported for certification. If there have been any changes to your schedule, please officially drop a class through BisonWeb or your advisor. Then, notify us using our Certification Updates form in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section above as soon as you can.

Not all fees are covered by the VA and there is a VA tuition cap for private schools, so plan for this!

 

What fees are NOT covered by the VA?

The VA will not cover the late registration, late payment, housing, meal plan, and parking (Chapter 31 exception) fees. 

All Chapter 31 and 33 students can avoid the late payment fee by completing the Certification Request BEFORE the add/drop date for the main campus.

Chapter 33 will pay student health insurance as long as the student has no other health insurance outside the University. You will be able to indicate this in the Certification Request. 

Chapter 31 will cover parking as long as the VRE counselor has included it on the Purchase Order(PO) approval sent to OMVS.

 

How much will I still owe?

For Chapter 33 students, tuition and mandatory fees are covered up the amount of the VA tuition cap beginning with each fall semester (the academic year concludes every summer). This amount will be paid directly to the University. Generally, this means:

• For 100% beneficiaries, all of Fall semester's tuition and fees are covered
• For 100% beneficiaries, most of Spring semester's tuition and fees will be covered 
• For most students, summer tuition will not be covered

For those that are eligible for Yellow Ribbon, there will still be a gap in coverage for Spring semester as 2022-2023 tuition and fees were raised.

For Chapter 31 students, tuition and mandatory fees are covered for every semester that is approved by your VA VR&E counselor. This amount will be paid to the University.

For all other VA education beneficiary students, you are responsible for ensuring that your debt to the University is paid.

***We strongly recommend ALL students complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) which opens on October 1st every year for the next academic year. If you continue scrolling on this webpage, you will also find scholarship opportunities for military-connected students. 

Students and their families should calculate tuition and mandatory fees using the VA's online comparison tool, their E-Pay account, and the yearly Cost of Attendance for the University to anticipate how much they will still owe every semester. 

 

What is the Yellow Ribbon program and does Howard participate in it?

The University is currently enrolled in the Yellow Ribbon program, and has now been expanded to all students for the 2022-2023 academic year. The amount of Yellow Ribbon is up to $4000 per academic year. Eligible students may receive less based on the amount of eligible tuition and fees remaining to be covered. Those who are eligible will be automatically enrolled by the Office of Military & Veterans Services. If any additional information is required, the student will be contacted directly by email.

The Yellow Ribbon program is a program that helps pay tuition and fees that VA education benefits and the University does not cover.  While Chapter 33 benefits will pay all tuition and fees for public schools, there is a cap for private schools.  Students are responsible for paying what Chapter 33 benefits do not. The Yellow Ribbon program is a program that schools can opt into that helps close that gap.  Schools can elect to pay a certain amount (and the VA will match that amount) or the school can split the entire cost left over with the VA. The University currently offers up to $2000 for eligible students which the VA will then match.  You can learn more about the Yellow Ribbon program and who qualifies here.

 

What if I apply for VA Education Benefits after the semester starts? What if I receive my COE after the semester starts?

1. If you are approved by the VA, you will receive your COE (Certificate of Eligibility).
2. Then, you will complete our Certification Request on our website and upload your COE into the survey. OMVS will not be able to certify your benefits until we receive your survey with your COE.
3. Once you are certified, the VA will retroactively pay MHA (and any stipends, if eligible) to the bank account on file with the VA. The retroactive pay will be back to the first day of classes for the term.
4. For Chapter 31 & 33, the VA will also pay directly to Howard University the percentage of tuition and mandatory fees for which you are eligible for the term. You will still owe any non-mandatory fees as well as any non-tuition charges as well as any tuition and mandatory fees over the cap covered by the VA. 

To see what the VA pays for each VA Education Benefit use the VA's online comparison tool.

 

How do I change my Direct Deposit information for my MHA and/or stipend?

YOU must update your direct deposit with the federal VA. You can do so online or by calling (800) 827-1000.

 

How do I change my name or correct date of birth for my VA education benefits?

YOU must update your direct deposit with the federal VA. You can do so online or by calling (800) 827-1000.

 

What do I do if I want to change my benefit chapter?

Notify us using our Certification Updates form in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section above as soon as you can and upload your COE for your new chapter. You may need to verify this change with the federal VA. 

 

What happens if I drop a class, or change my schedule?

First, officially drop a class through BisonWeb or your advisor.

Second, notify us using our Certification Updates form in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section above as soon as you can. The implications of dropping a class can vary based on your benefits.

• For all benefits, you should try to stay a full-time student. 
  • For undergraduate programs, full-time status means taking at least 12 units during the regular semester. 
  • For most graduate programs, full-time status means taking at least 9 units during the regular term.
    • Graduate programs should notify the Office of Military & Veterans Services if their programs do not adhere to the 9-unit guideline. 
  • If you drop below full-time status, your benefits will change, and you will usually owe the VA money from the last date you attended class. 

Here is some additional information on dropping classes, mitigating circumstances, and the 6-credit-hour exclusion.

 

What do I do if I need to withdraw completely from the university?

Complete the University’s Total Withdrawal procedure. Then, notify us using our Certification Updates form in the "Request to Use Your VA Education Benefits or Scholarship at HU" section above as soon as you can. The implications of dropping a class can vary based on your benefits. You will usually owe the VA money from the last date you attended classes.

 

Where do I go if I need help?

• For Howard University questions, you can email veterans@howard.edu or call us at (202) 238-2422. Our staff encourages emails as they can access those anywhere! 
• For VA questions concerning MHA (Monthly Housing Allowance) or stipends, you can use the new Ask VA tool online or call the VA Educational Benefits helpline at (888) 442-4551. This is especially important if you need documentation about the amount of your MHA or stipend!
• ‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."

 

This section of the website is reserved for scholarships that all military-connected students may find useful.  If you learn of any that can be added, please email us!

Scholarships/Grants for Service Members and Veterans

HOWARD UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS (HUFS) (Also for transfer students!)

ARMED FORCES HEALTH PROFESSIONS SCHOLARSHIP 

AAPA Veterans Caucus Scholarships

AMVETS Natl Scholarship for Veterans

Chapter Scholarships - AFCEA

DAV Auxiliary Natl Educ Scholarship

Dolphin Scholarship Foundation

Fort Meade Officers Spouse’s Club Scholarships (members and dependents)

FRA Education Foundation Scholarship (Navy, Marine, Coast Guard)

Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program

Imagine America Military Award Program

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Leave No Veteran Behind

MCA Chaplain Candidate Scholarship

Military Commanders Scholarship Fund

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Nat Board Cert Counselors Foundation Scholarships

Navy Seal Foundation (NSW personnel)

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Pat Tillman Education Scholarship

Purple Heart Foundation

ROTC Scholarship – AFCEA

Student Financial Aid Guide for Veterans

Segal AmeriCorps Education Award

Sons and Daughters Pearl Harbor Survivor Scholarship

Student Veterans of America

Troops to Teachers Program

VFW Help A Hero Scholarship

War Veterans Scholarship - AFCEA

 

Scholarships for Dependents (Spouses and Children)

HOWARD UNIVERSITY FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS (HUFS) (Also for transfer students!)

American Legion Legacy Scholarship

AMVETS

Children’s Scholarship Fund (Elementary School)

Daughters of the Cincinnati Scholarship

Defense Commissary Agency

FINRA Found Mil Spouse Fellowship Program – Financial Counselor

Folds of Honor Scholarship

• The is open to any dependent or spouse whose service member has either fallen or has a combined service-connected disability rating through the VA.  This year's application closes on March 31, 2022. 

Fort Meade Enlisted Spouses’ Club Scholarships for dependent children

Fort Meade Officers Spouse’s Club Scholarships (members and dependents)

Gilman-McCain Scholarship

• This is open to any child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel. This year's application closes on August 1, 2022 for programs between September 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023. 

Hero’s Legacy Scholarship

Hope for the Warriors Spouse/Caregiver

Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation (Marine; Navy Corpsman who served with Marine unit)

Military Officers Assoc of America

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Navy/Marine)

Navy Seal Foundation (dependent of NSW member)

NMFA Spouse Scholarships

Noncommissioned Officer Association Scholarship

Paralyzed Veterans of America

Pat Tillman Education Scholarship

Scholarships for Military Children

Thanks USA Scholarships

 

Additional information can be found by looking at PDF below including these opportunities above as well as other scholarships for minorities and databases:

Veteran Connected Scholarships

 

Several entities outside of Howard University reach out to engage with student veterans or share opportunities. In lieu of emailing each of these opportunities to all students, we put them on this announcement board.

• Guggenheim Partners will be hosting its 10th annual Veterans Transition Assistance Program and I would like to make contact with your veteran community to ensure that any potential applicants are made aware of this great opportunity. The firm will run a paid 10-week summer internship across several business lines that will provide exposure and experience in the financial services industry. You can find a link to the application portal here: VTAP 2022. Due March 30, 2022.
• CIBERVets creates an opportunity for veterans to transition to professional careers in International Business.
• Military Voices Initiative at StoryCorp is looking for people to partner with. This initiative provides a platform for veterans, service members, and their families to preserve their stories at the Library of Congress. We like to call it a message in a bottle floating into the hearts of future generations.
• The Veterans Curation Program (VCP) cares for Army Corps of Engineers at-risk archaeological collections while providing veterans with a bridge from military service into the public sector. To apply please visit: http://veteranscurationprogram.org/how-to-apply/
• A Call for Veterans: The VA needs your help to better understand Loneliness in Veterans and Suicide Prevention for Veterans; study participation is voluntary and compensation is available.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection is looking for veterans interested in internships and full time jobs: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/veterans/jobs-internships
• Madison Barber and Jovan Hernandez at Metropolitan State University of Denver are conducting a research study on student veterans and their experiences with veteran discrimination, sense of belonging on campus, academic success, and overall mental well-being.  You can volunteer by clicking this link. 

 

Howard University is approved by the VA to certify veterans' education benefits for approved undergraduate and graduate programs of study. The OMVS facilitates the certification of enrollment process for student to request VA benefits. The following is a list of the approved veteran benefits that are offered at Howard University: Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill ®, Chapter 31 - Veterans Readiness & Employment, Chapter 33 - Post 911 GI Bill®, Chapter 35 -Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) Program, Chapter 1606 - Montgomery GI Bill®, and the Yellow Ribbon Program. To learn more about these benefits visit https://www.va.gov/education

Howard University ensures the following regulations of administering VA education benefits:

• Except for dissertation and limited research courses, the VA will not pay for the student to repeat any course that is successfully passed.

• The school agrees to maintain a written record of previous education and training of veterans (and all eligible persons for veterans’ benefits) which clearly indicates that appropriate credit has been given by the school for previous education and training, with the training period shortened proportionately, and the student and the Department of Veterans Affairs so notified.

• ‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill."

 

Pending Payment Compliance Statement in Accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e)

In compliance with Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e), Howard University has updated its academic regulations regarding participation of covered individuals in courses of education and the prohibition of assessment of penalties for those individuals related to delayed VA funding. Covered Individuals: A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to receive educational assistance under one of the following chapters: Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) or Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) benefits.

To qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE): A certificate of eligibility can also include a Statement of Benefits obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes.

• Certification to Receive Veterans Benefits: Students must notify the Office of Military & Veterans Services each semester that they are ready to be certified. Failure to notify the office may result in classes not being certified and students may be dropped from their classes.

• Students must follow a Howard University College degree plan to receive their benefits. Students should meet with a counselor every semester for assistance in selecting courses.

Howard University will not impose any penalty, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to Howard University due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapters 31 or 33 including:

• the assessment of late fees,

• the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other Howard University facilities, or

• the requirement that a covered individual secure additional or alternative funds.

 

Compliance Statement in Accordance with Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315942021-2022

In compliance with Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Howard University will update its academic regulations regarding participation of covered individuals in courses of education and will not enact policies that violate these laws. Covered Individuals under Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e): A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to receive educational assistance under one of the following chapters:Montgomery GI Bill ® (Chapter 30),Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31), Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33),Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) (Chapter 35), or Montgomery GI Bill ® - Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606)benefits.

Howard University will:

• Ensure each covered individual approves of the enrollment in a course by requiring each student to request certification every semester with the Office of Military and Veterans Services.

• Allow enrolled members of the Armed Forces, including reserve components and National Guard to be readmitted if such members are temporarily unavailable or must suspend enrollment by reason of serving in the Armed Forces.

• Accommodate short absences for such services in the Armed Forces provided that satisfactory academic progress is being made by the service members and reservists prior to suspending their studies.

 

Tax Exclusion for Veterans Education Benefits

If you serve or served in the military and are receiving Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits, the IRS excludes this income from taxation. Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, the authoritative source for all education tax matters, covers this tax exclusion. You can learn more about Veterans’ Benefits in chapter 1. Read below for a summary of the policy.

Requirements

1. You must be serving or have served in the military.

2. You must be receiving VA education benefits.

Actions

There is no required action for you to receive the exclusion.

Provisions

Payments you receive for education, training, or subsistence under any law administered by the VA are tax free. Don't include these payments as income on your federal tax return.

If you qualify for one or more of the education tax benefits discussed in Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education, chapters 2 through 12, you may have to reduce the amount of education expenses qualifying for a specific tax benefit by part or all of your VA payments. This applies only to the part of your VA payments that is required to be used for education expenses.

Example: You have returned to college and are receiving two education benefits under the latest GI Bill: (1) a $1,534 monthly basic housing allowance (BHA) that is directly deposited to your checking account, and (2) $3,840 paid directly to your college for tuition. Neither of these benefits is taxable and you don't report them on your tax return. You also want to claim an American opportunity credit on your return. Your total tuition charges are $5,000. To figure the amount of credit, you must first subtract the $3,840 from your qualified education expenses because this payment under the GI Bill was required to be used for education expenses. You don't subtract any amount of the BHA because it was paid to you and its use wasn't restricted.

You may want to visit the VA website for specific information about the various VA benefits for education.

The Tax Information for Students webpage is an additional resource that provides links to a broader range of student-related tax topics.