Whittier College is honored to provide our nation's Veterans with an education that leverages their military training and experience to prepare them for fulfilling careers in the civilian workplace.
Veterans applying to Whittier College may receive academic credit for military training and experience.
Students who wish to use VA benefits to pay their educational expenses at Whittier College should contact the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible.
Assistance with admission preparation, financial aid, and GI Bill® benefits is available through Whittier's Veteran Resource Center.
General Information
The Office of the Registrar certifies enrollment for students who receive benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Students who have been admitted to Whittier College and who are interested in using their VA benefits to help cover educational expenses should contact the School Certifying Official (SCO) in the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible.
The SCO provides general assistance with issues related to benefits, maintains student benefit records, and serves as the point of contact with the VA Educational Liaison Representative (ELR) and Regional Office.
Covered Programs
The following VA benefit programs are covered at Whittier College:
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® for Active Duty (MGIB)
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehab
- Chapter 32 Post-Vietnam Era Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP)
- Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)
- Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
Yellow Ribbon Program
Whittier College participates in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon). This program is designed to provide additional financial assistance in covering educational expenses that exceed the maximum in-state capacity.
If you are receiving Chapter 33 benefits with a 100% eligibility rate, you may be eligible to participate in Yellow Ribbon. Interested students should contact the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible. Enrollment in Yellow Ribbon is limited.
Tuition Assistance and DoD Programs
Whittier College does not participate in or certify enrollment for benefit programs provided through the Department of Defense (DoD), including Tuition Assistance.
Applying for Benefits
Students must apply for benefits directly through the VA using the VA Online Application (VONAPP). Once the VONAPP has been processed, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility to the benefit recipient. Any questions regarding the application process should be addressed directly with the VA. Students should retain copies of their VONAPP and Certificate of Eligibility.
New Students
Students who are enrolling at Whittier College for the first-time should follow the steps below:
- Be admitted.
- Apply for benefits. Be sure to keep copies of your VONAPP and Certificate of Eligibility.
- Provide copies of your VONAPP, Certificate of Eligibility, and a valid photo I.D. to the SCO in the Office of the Registrar. Copies may be faxed, emailed (PDF only), mailed, or hand delivered. Illegible copies will not be accepted. New students who have used their benefits at a previous institution must also submit a VA Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA 22-1995 or 22-5495).
- Register for classes and accept any financial aid awards that you have opted to receive.
- Submit a Certification Request for VA Benefits to the Registrar as soon as you have registered for classes.
Once the steps above have been completed, the SCO will certify your enrollment to the VA. Certifications are submitted electronically immediately following the End Add Deadline each compulsory term for which you maintain continuous enrollment.
Continuing Students
Students who have maintained continuous enrollment will have their enrollment certifications submitted electronically immediately following the End Add Deadline each compulsory term. It is important to submit the Certification Request for VA Benefits as soon as a student's term schedule is finalized in order to avoid a delay in receiving benefits. The certification of classes is not automatic and must be completed each term.
Students who have been readmitted after a period of absence equaling one semester or more must follow the steps indicated for new students.
Certification
Enrollment certifications are submitted electronically immediately following the End Add Deadline each compulsory term of continuous enrollment. Students who wish to be certified for a non-compulsory term (i.e. Jan Term or Summer Session) should contact the SCO.
Making Schedule Changes
Students receiving benefits must finalize their class schedule by the End Add Deadline. Changes made after this deadline will not be included in the enrollment certification and may result delayed processing and/or over or under payment of benefits. Refunds due to the VA as a result of overpayment are the responsibility of the student.
Students who make changes to their schedule after the End Add Deadline must contact the SCO immediately so that their enrollment certification may be amended as soon as possible.
Receiving Payments
Students should allow 4 to 6 weeks for the VA to process the enrollment certification and issue benefit payments. With the exception of tuition and fee payments for students receiving Chapter 33 benefits, all payments will be issued directly to the student at the mailing address on file with the VA. Chapter 33 tuition and fee payments will be issued directly to the Whittier College Business Office.