Financial Aid

Veterans Education Benefits

At Southern California University of Health Sciences (SCU), we are proud to support veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible dependents in pursuing their education.

Veterans’ education benefits, administered through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), can help cover tuition, fees, housing, books, and other educational expenses, depending on your eligibility and program. To get more information about choosing the right benefits, go to VA Benefits Fact Sheets.

Our Financial Aid team works closely with you to ensure your benefits are processed accurately and integrated into your overall funding plan.

Understanding Veterans Education Benefits

Veterans’ education benefits are federal programs designed to support individuals who have served in the military, as well as certain dependents.

Depending on your eligibility, these benefits may provide:

  • Tuition and fee payments
  • Monthly housing allowances
  • Book and supply stipends
  • Career counseling and employment support

The amount and type of funding you receive will depend on your length of service, benefit type, and enrollment status.

VA Education Programs Accepted at SCU

SCU participates in several VA-approved education benefit programs:

  • Chapter 30 (MGIB-AD): Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty
  • Chapter 1606 (MGIB-SR): Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve
  • Chapter 31 (VR&E): Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment*
  • Chapter 32 (VEAP): Veterans Educational Assistance Program
  • Chapter 33: Post-9/11 GI Bill®
  • Chapter 35 (DEA): Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance

*Use of VR&E benefits is subject to approval by your assigned Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.

Start with Your VA Eligibility

Before using your benefits at SCU, you should:

  • Determine your eligibility through the VA
  • Apply for your education benefits
  • Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

Eligibility varies by program and may depend on service history, discharge status, or dependent eligibility.

Visit VA.gov to determine eligibility and apply

How to Use Your Benefits at SCU

Using VA education benefits requires coordination between you, the VA, and SCU.

  1. Apply for VA Education Benefits
  • Submit your application through the VA (VA.gov)
  • Receive your Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  1. Submit Documentation to SCU
  • Provide your COE (or VR&E authorization) to SCU
  • Complete any required institutional forms

SCU must certify your enrollment with the VA before benefits can be processed.

  1. Enrollment Certification
  • SCU verifies that your courses apply to your degree program
  • SCU submits your enrollment information to the VA

Only courses required for your program are eligible for VA funding.

  1. Payment and Disbursement

Depending on your benefit type:

  • Tuition and fees may be paid directly to SCU
  • Housing and book stipends are typically paid directly to you
  • Payments are often issued monthly and in arrears (after the benefit period)

Timing Matters

Veterans benefits require multiple steps and coordination.

Plan ahead.

  • Apply for benefits early
  • Submit documentation promptly
  • Monitor your SCU email and VA communications

Delays in documentation or certification may delay your funding.

Important Considerations

Veterans’ education benefits operate differently from federal and private loans:

  • Eligibility-based funding (not all students qualify)
  • Enrollment certification is required each term
  • Payments may be split (tuition to school, stipends to student)
  • Monthly verification may be required for some programs
  • Only degree-applicable courses are covered
  • Changes in enrollment may impact your benefits

Understanding these requirements is important to avoid delays or overpayments.

Coordinating Benefits with Other Financial Aid

Veterans’ benefits are often part of a broader funding strategy.

You may also use:

  • Federal student loans
  • Private student loans
  • Scholarships
  • Employer tuition assistance

In some cases, VA benefits may be applied alongside institutional aid or other funding sources, depending on program rules and financial aid policies.

SCU’s Financial Aid Office will help you coordinate all funding sources effectively.

How SCU Supports You

SCU provides personalized support to help you navigate the process:

  • Assistance in understanding your VA eligibility
  • Guidance on submitting required documentation
  • Coordination of enrollment certification
  • Integration of VA benefits into your financial plan

We are committed to helping you maximize your benefits while maintaining compliance with VA requirements.

Contact Financial Aid

If you plan to use veterans’ education benefits, we encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid early in your planning process.

Connect with a Financial Aid Counselor