Applying for Veterans Educational Benefits
Students looking to utilize Veteran Affairs Educational Benefits must have a processed application on file with the Department of Veteran Affairs. For information on applying for benefits, please go to the Veterans Affairs website at: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Please be certain to save a copy of the application for Veterans Educational Benefits, as well as the confirmation email that the application was received, for your records. You may need to provide a copy of the application to the VA Certifying Official at Clark Atlanta University.
For more information about Veteran Affairs at CAU, visit the program website.
Military Tuition Assistance Programs at CAU
Military Tuition Assistance is a benefit paid to eligible service members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Each branch of the military has its own eligibility criteria, application process, and restrictions.
Military Tuition Assistance provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty educational programs in support of a service member’s professional and personal self-development goals. All Active Duty service members (officers, warrant officers, enlisted) are authorized to participate in the TA program through their respective branches. This includes members of the Active Guard Reserve, as well as Reserve Component Service Members who are activated under U.S. Code Title 10 or Title 32.
Service members should speak with their Education Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within their Military Service prior to enrolling. More information regarding Military Tuition Assistance can be found through the service member’s branch of service.
MGIB-AD (Chapter 30)
Montgomery GI Bill® benefits generally apply to Veterans who began active duty service for the first time after June 30, 1985, had their pay reduced $100 a month for 12 months, and received an honorable discharge. Eligible service members may receive up to 36 months of education benefits.
Attendance Reporting Requirement Students receiving Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty (Chapter 30) benefits must verify their class attendance on or after the last day of each month before monthly payments are deposited into your personal checking/saving account or mailed to you.
MGIB-SR (Chapter 1606 or Chapter 1607)
Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve provides education benefits for members actively participating in the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Eligible service members may receive up to 36 months of educational benefits.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
A Veteran may receive Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) services to help with job training, employment accommodations, resume development and skills coaching. VR&E is a way for service members to receive personalized counseling and support as they work to achieve their career goals.
Who Qualifies?
A Veteran may be eligible for VR&E benefits if they:
- Have received, or will receive, a discharge that is other than dishonorable
- Have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%, or a memorandum rating of 20% or more from the VA
- Apply for VR&E services Students interested in applying for VR&E benefits can apply by logging in to their eBenefits.
Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33)
Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits generally apply to Veterans who have at least 90 days of aggregate active-duty service after September 10, 2001, and are still on active duty, or were honorably discharged or were discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Eligible service members and/or dependents may receive up to 36 months of education benefits. In addition, a monthly housing allowance and annual books and supplies stipend may be available.
DEA (Chapter 35)
Dependents Educational Assistance program offers education benefits to eligible dependents of Veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or of Veterans who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. Eligible dependents may receive up to 45 months of education benefits.
Tuition Refund Process
Tuition Refund Process for Withdrawal due to Service Obligations
- Military tuition assistance is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of funds originally awarded. In instances when a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, the University will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in a student debt for the returned portion.
- To comply with the new Department of Defense policy, Clark Atlanta University will return any unearned funds on a prorate basis on or before completing 60% of the semester/term for which the funds were provided. The amount returned is based on the student’s last day of attendance. Funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. After the 60% period, there will be no reduction of the original charges, and they are due and payable in full. The calculation is made using weeks remaining divided by the total number of weeks in the term and rounding the result downward to the nearest whole 10 percent. These funds are returned to the military service branch within 60 days of the student’s withdrawal
Please review the CAU Student Accounts (Student Accounts Receivables Home (cau.edu)) webpage as it pertains to any balance not covered by your Veterans benefits.
Fall and Spring Semesters (Traditional and Online Programs)
- Weeks 1-2: 100% Return
- Weeks 3-5: 75% Return
- Weeks 6-9: 50% Return
- Weeks 10-11: 25% Return (60% of course is completed)
- Weeks 11+: 0% Return
Please review the CAU Student Accounts (Student Accounts Receivables Home (cau.edu)) webpage as it pertains to any balance not covered by your Veterans benefits.
Fall and Spring Semesters (Traditional and Online Programs)
Information about CDR – Can we use the link for the CDR?
It should be updated with the correct information for the CDR by the end of the week.
https://www.cau.edu/financialaid/how-to-apply-for-loans.html
Clark Atlanta University follows military policies and processes for the military Tuition Assistance (TA) program for eligible members of the Armed Services.
Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process, and restrictions. It is recommended that you speak with your Educational Services Officer (ESO) or counselor within your military service to determine which VA or Military benefit(s) you qualify for. Follow the links for information for your particular service:
You should NEVER schedule classes until approval from your ESO is obtained. After you have determined your eligibility and have received approval to utilize TA, you must bring proof of eligibility to the Dean of Students in the Office of Student Affairs, Acadian Center, Room 112. The Dean of Students will work with Financial Aid, the Business Office, and Veterans Affairs to financially clear you for the semester. This must be turned in at least two (2) business days prior to the payment deadline for the upcoming semester.
