Are you a veteran looking to find the next step in your career? Ready to dive in to your educational goals but not quite sure how to secure financial aid? At Indiana University Kokomo, we would be honored to help. We have a financial aid counselor who specializes in working with veterans to find the best financial package possible. To get started, check out the steps below. And if you have questions or concerns, reach out!
Veterans must apply for benefits online with the Department of Veterans Affairs. After completing this step, please contact the IU Kokomo school certifying official by email or by calling 765-455-9216. Please visit GI Bill Benefits Comparison Tool for more information. To self-certify your Chapter 30 or 1606 monthly verification of attendance with the V.A., you can go to the V.A. website to access W.A.V.E. (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment). If you do not have Internet access, you can call 877-823-2378 to verify your monthly attendance. For information on how to obtain transcripts from military service, you can visit New Joint Services Transcript Request (Formerly ARMY/Reserve/National Guard - AARTS or NAVY/MARINES - SMART transcript systems or the Air Force website.
Educational Benefits
The Post 9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of educational benefits toward your IU degree or certificate program. Benefits are available to you for 15 years after ending active duty. Under this program, you are entitled to funds based on the length of time you were active duty. Dependents may also use Chapter 33 benefits transferred to them by their sponsor.
IU Kokomo is participating in Yellow Ribbon program for one out of state veteran. For a maximum of $3,000 per academic year ($1500 per regular term), with the Department of Veterans Affairs matching the dollar amount up to our maximum of $3,000 for first qualified applicants. We have two such awards per academic year. For information regarding the Yellow Ribbon Program choose Yellow Ribbon Info
Criteria:
- Eligible for Ch 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® education benefits at the 100% level
- Maintain good academic standing at IU Kokomo
- Be admitted as a degree-seeking student with tuition and fee charges above the VA's maximum in-state undergraduate rate as posted at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
If you believe you are eligible, you should apply immediately. Awards to the qualified applicant are on a first-come basis established by the date and time your application is received by the Veterans Representative in the Financial Aid office.
The Yellow Ribbon program under the Post 9/11 GI Bill provides additional financial assistance to a nonresident or graduate students whose costs are not fully covered by the Post 9/11 GI Bill. To qualify, you must be eligible for the Post 9/11 GI Bill at the 100% tier and be charged non-resident tuition rates.
Veteran's can also apply for other types of financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For GI Bill® information, please visit the United States Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill Website. This site includes a helpful question and answer section.
This program provides up to 36 months of educational benefits toward your IU degree or certificate program. Benefits are available to you for 10 years after ending active duty. You must have contributed $1,200 to the MGIB during your first year on active duty to be eligible.
In most cases, in order to receive Chapter 31 education benefits, you must receive monthly VA disability payments. However, exceptions are made in some cases. This award will cover tuition, books, supplies, and other education-related expenses. The application is separate and distinct from the education benefit applications. Contact Veterans Support Services for further information.
To receive funds for your education under this program, you must be the son, daughter, or spouse of a deceased, disabled, or captive veteran. Limitations for receiving benefits vary with age, and the circumstances surrounding the veteran’s discharge.
The Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve benefits are available to members of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard, or Air National Guard. Funding will be provided toward your IU degree or certificate program.
Indiana University Kokomo values the sacrifice put forth by our vast population of student veterans and we continue to do all that we can to aid them in pursuing a higher education.
If you are serving on active duty stationed in Indiana on permanent change of station (PCS) orders, you and your spouse may be considered non-residents of the state of Indiana for university tuition purposes. However, your military status entitles you to a remission of the non-resident portion of your credit hour fees. This does not change your residency classification, but provides a reduction in tuition charges down to the resident (in-state) rate. You must provide a copy of the military orders and a photo ID to the VA School Certifying Official. Spouses of military personnel must provide a military-issued ID card in addition to military orders.
If you are a veteran with an honorable discharge who is enrolling as a non-resident student within 12 months of separation from service, you may qualify for a residency exception under Senate Enrolled Act 177 or 434. Current members of the Indiana National Guard are also eligible.
You must present a copy of your DD214 or proof of current NG membership to the Veterans School Certifying Official. You are also required to show intent to establish residency by providing an IN driver’s license, IN automobile registration, or IN voter registration within your first 12 months at IU. This does not change your residency classification, but provides a reduction in tuition charges down to the resident (in-state) rate.
If you are a veteran or dependent using Post 9/11 or Montgomery GI Bill® benefits within three years after final discharge or on terminal leave, you may qualify to receive the resident tuition rates under the Choice Act.
Section 702, The Choice Act
Beginning July 1, 2015: Section 702, The Choice Act, requires public institutions of higher learning to charge resident tuition rates to veterans and dependents of veterans who are using Post 9/11, Montgomery GI Bill® or Fry Scholarship benefits and are within 3 years after their final discharge from active service. You must be discharged or complete terminal leave during the semester to qualify.
Other Veteran Benefits
Indiana Purple Heart recipients may qualify for a state tuition fee remission. The Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs has applications for this program online. In some instances, veterans attending college are eligible for unemployment benefits. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development offers detailed information concerning jobless benefits for student veterans.
Children of disabled Indiana veterans may qualify for a state tuition fee remission. The Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs has applications for this program online.
The eBenefits web portal is an online resource for tools and benefits-related information. The portal serves Veterans, Service members, their families, and their caregivers. Register for a Premium account at https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage See below for the eBenefits fact sheet and tips for using the eBenefits portal.
For general information about veterans benefits, see: United States Department of Veterans Affairs
If you are called to active duty while enrolled at IU Kokomo, please visit the official IU Reserves Called to Active Duty policy in regard to course withdrawal and refund of tuition and fees.
For information about financial aid to attend Indiana University Kokomo, contact email the veteran representative, or by calling 765-455-9216.
Please note: 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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/
Support Services for Veteran Students
Mental Health support for students which includes coping with the stress of school and outside issues.
Mental Health
American Howard County
406 E. Sycamore St
Kokomo, IN 46901
765-459-0309
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential help for Veterans and their families.
1-800-273-8255, press 1
confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
United Way 2-1-1
One Call. Tons of Information. Find Help or Volunteer. Get Connected. Get Answers. Dial 2-1-1.
United Way of Howard County Website
Find your County Veterans Service Officer.
Food Pantry for IU Kokomo students is located in the Kelley Student Center, Room 250
Operating Hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm.
No paperwork and no identification required.
Military Foundation, Inc. Mission Statement:
To recognize and support all military personnel, veterans, their families, and military organizations in Kokomo/Howard County and surrounding areas.