Vanguard University

The School Certifying Official (SCO) will require a Proof of Service (Either a copy of your DD-214 or Service Verification Letter that can be downloaded from you or your sponsors VA.gov account)and a Benefits Eligibility document (Either your Certificate of Eligibility or a Statement of Benefits letter which can be downloaded from you VA.gov account) Once the SCO receives these documents and you have been accepted to Vanguard University, the SCO will require you to complete internal paperwork. 

DOWNLOAD THE REQUIRED FORMS

For students using Chapter 35 (Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance Program) benefits for the first time, the School Certifying Official will also need your sponsor’s name and social security number to set you up in the system.

Yes, Vanguard University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Under this agreement the VA will match Vanguard University’s contribution. For those who are eligible Vanguard University will contribute 50% of your tuition and mandatory fees that exceed benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill^®.

The Yellow Ribbon Program is a GI Education Enhancement Program that provides an agreement between Vanguard University and the Veterans Administration (VA) to award scholarships to qualified students to fund tuition and mandatory fees that exceed benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill^(R) (Chapter 33). In order to qualify for the Yellow Ribbon program you must be 100% eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill^(R) and submit a Yellow Ribbon Application to Vanguard’s Veterans Center. Vanguard has made it available to an unlimited amount of student veterans.

Getting your GI Bill^® benefits is a 6 step process. Below are the 6 steps, listed in order:

1. Apply for the GI Bill^® of your choice online. The VA’s Veterans Online Applications website designed so individuals can apply for benefits through the internet. If you do not have access to the internet please mail your benefits application VA form 22-1990 to the following address: Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Regional Office, PO Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888

2. After you have applied for the GI Bill^® you will be mailed a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) letter from the VA, describing your eligibility and chapter benefit. The VA mails two copies of the COE to you, one for the school certifying official (SCO) and one for your personal records. 

3. Once you are admitted to Vanguard University and register for your classes the SCO will complete the Enrollment Certification process. The SCO will ask you to complete Vanguard University’s enrollment status form which outlines your responsibilities while using VA benefits and gives the School Certifying Official permission to charge your benefit. The link to this form is available at the bottom of this page and the School Certifying Official will send out a reminder with the link the week before registration opens.

4. The SCO electronically submits VA Form 22-1999 – Enrollment Certification to the VA.

5. Most certifications are processed automatically and for benefits providing for book stipends should receive that directly deposited to the bank account set up in their VA.gove account within 2 weeks. Students receiving direct stipends or housing allownaces are paid monthly in arrears. For example, your payment for the month of September would not be processed until October.

6. If you receive Chapter 30 – Montgomery GI Bill^® or CH 1606 Select Reserve GI Bill®you will begin receiving your education stipend approximately 30 days after the first class session.

If you receive Chapter 30 – Montgomery Bill, CH 1606, or Chapter 1607, you will begin receiving your education stipend approximately 30 days after the first class session.

It is important to review the eligibility requirements for each GI Bill.

Most recently separated veterans are currently opting for Ch. 33 benefits, also known as the Post 9/11 GI Bill. Generally, students eligible for chapter 33 must have served on active duty after 9/10/01 for: a minimum of 90 aggregate days (excluding entry level and skill training); At least 30 continuous days if discharged for a service-connected disability.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

This depends on the education chapter you are eligible for and your student status. To understand the differences between each education chapter visit:

https://www.vets.gov/gi-bill-comparison-tool

I have been approved for the Post 9-11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33). How much will the VA pay towards my tuition?

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® reimburses your tuition & fees to your school and makes housing and other payments directly to you. Your school will receive a percentage, as determined by your length of active duty service. For private and foreign IHLs tuition & fee reimbursement is capped at $29,920.95 per academic year (August 1, 2025 - July 31, 2026). For more information click here.

You may also be directly paid:

• A monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance for housing (BAH) amount payable to an E-5 with dependents, in same zip code as your school. This allowance is paid proportionately based on your enrollment.
• A yearly books and supplies stipend of up to $1000 paid proportionately based on enrollment

Source:

http://www.benefits.va.gov/GIBILL/resources/benefi...

The VA’s education benefits hotline is 1.888.442.4551. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 7am-3:30pm C.T. and can best be reached on Friday mornings.

Vanguard University’s Veterans Center is located in the Layne Building, First Floor, room 123. The phone number to the VRC is 714.668.6124.

You can email VASCO@vanguard.edu or call 714.668.6131 to speak with the Certifying Official.