• How do I apply?
• How much assistance is available?
• What steps must I complete once my application is processed by the VA?
• How does Furman certify my enrollment?
• How are VA payments made?
• What is the Yellow Ribbon program?
• Still don't know what is happening with your VA benefits or eligibility?
• Don't know what is going with Furman's connection to the process?
• What about tuition assistance for active-duty military personnel?

How do I apply?

Students eligible for tuition assistance and interested in applying for these benefits should contact the VA directly. Critical information about applying for this tuition assistance is available on the VA Website.

How much assistance is available?

Effective August 1, 2012, the maximum tuition payable to private schools will increase from $17,500 per academic year (VA defines as August 1 through July 31) to $18,077.50.

The amount of tuition and other assistance available to veterans can vary depending on benefit chapter eligibility of the veteran. Current payment rate tables are available on the VA Website. The most common benefit for our current students is the Post 9/11 Chapter 33 tuition benefit, capped at $18,077.50 per year.

What steps must I complete once my application is processed by the VA?

Once your application has been processed by the VA, a letter will be sent to you, the benefit recipient, called a "Certificate of Eligibility." A copy of this Certificate of Eligibility must be on file with Furman, so please send a copy of this letter to us in Academic Records. You can fax it (864-294-3551), scan and e-mail it (academic.records@furman.edu, or physically present the letter to us in our offices on the ground floor of the Administration Building, Room 4. If you need to reach us by phone, call us at 864-294-2030. Our office is open weekdays from 8:30AM to 5:00PM.

How does Furman certify my enrollment?

With the Certificate of Eligibility on file, we have everything we need from you to begin certifying enrollment with the VA. Every term you are eligible to receive benefits, we will automatically submit your enrollment status to their online service. This includes certifying the number of credits for which you are registered, and a the "net tuition" for that term. Net tuition, as it relates to the VA, is a calculation of a student's tuition cost for a term after any tuition-specific scholarships have been removed. Tuition and students fees are combined for this calculation. Any changes in enrollment status for a student receiving VA benefits should be reported to Academic Records immediately.

How are VA payments made?

Upon certification of enrollment for the term, the VA will direct tuition payments to us. Depending on your benefit eligibility, the VA may also make payments for room and board or textbook costs. These non-tuition payments will go directly to you. For more information about benefit eligibility, please feel free to visit the VA Website or call them at 1-888-442-4551.

What is the Yellow Ribbon program?

The Yellow Ribbon program is designed as a way to address the difference between what the VA pays in total tuition assistance and the substantial cost of independent universities like Furman. As a Yellow Ribbon institution, Furman and the VA split the total cost of Furman's tuition and the current benefit cap of $17,500 per year. Yellow Ribbon program eligibility requires that, you can receive 100% of the Post 9/11 Chapter 33 tuition benefit through the VA.

Furman has 10 matching grants available to students in the Yellow Ribbon program. Any student eligible for 100% of the Post 9/11 Chapter 33 benefit will be queued for the Yellow Ribbon program based on the time you submit your Certificate of Eligibility. Yellow Ribbon program benefits extend until you graduate, withdraw from the university, take a leave of absence from Furman, or complete the eligible time period as described on your Certificate.

Still don't know what is happening with your VA benefits or eligibility?

Any questions about benefit eligibility or how these benefits can be applied to tuition, should be directed to the VA. You can call the VA at1-888-442-4551, or build a self-service account on VA Website.

Don't know what is going with Furman's connection to the process?

Contact us in Academic Records by e-mail at academic.records@furman.edu, or by phone at (864) 294-2030.

What about tuition assistance for active-duty military personnel?

Money is also available as tuition assistance (TA) for students currently actively serving in the military. The amounts and procedures for applying for these benefits differ significantly depending on the military branch you serve. Information about tuition assistance for active duty military is readily accessible via military.com. Be aware though, Furman is currently negotiating with the Department of Defense (DOD) about a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) required for accepting tuition assistance connected to active-duty military personnel. Check this page again soon for more information about our on-going talks.