Tuition Assistance & CMD GI Bill
Maximize Your Service Benefits
Welcome! As a member of the Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve communities, you have earned unique educational benefits to support your journey at Cal Poly. Whether you are utilizing Tuition Assistance (TA) or the California Military Department (CMD) GI Bill, our office is committed to helping you navigate the requirements so you can focus on your education.
We know that managing military benefits alongside your coursework requires careful attention to detail, but you don’t have to do it alone. This page is your roadmap to ensuring your funding is secured and processed on time.
How to Navigate This Page
To ensure a smooth experience, we recommend the following:
-
Identify Your Program: Scroll to the section that matches the benefit you are using (TA or CMD GI Bill).
-
Follow the Timeline: Use the checklists below to see what needs to be done now, after registration, and for renewal.
-
Check the Links: We’ve included direct access to branch-specific portals and state applications to save you time.
-
See respective branches for approval process details
Our team is here to advocate for you every step of the way. If a step is unclear or you encounter a hurdle with your branch’s portal, please connect with us through the Virtual Center or Ask a Question so we can assist you.
A few tips for the tables below:
-
For TA Users: Remember that your branch's approval is the first and most critical step before we can process your units.
-
For CMD GI Bill Users: Keep a close eye on the renewal dates! Missing a deadline can affect your tuition coverage for the entire year.
| WHEN | TASK | LINK |
|---|---|---|
| Now | (REQUIRED) Fill out this form to be added to the Cal Poly database of military-connected students. Students only need to fill out this form once, even if their benefits change. | CLICK HERE |
| Now | Connect with us on social media @calpolyveterans to stay updated on important announcements and events. | CLICK HERE |
| After completion of Basic Training and again, after completion of military schools | Veteran: Credit for prior learning | |
| After completion of Basic Training | Veteran: Request priority registration | CLICK HERE |
| Before enrolling in classes | Get permission from your branch and chain of command to use Tuition Assistance | SEE BELOW |
| Immediately after class registration | Request Tuition Assistance each term at Cal Poly | CLICK HERE |
Military Members using Tuition Assistance
The attached per-unit tuition schedule for military students using the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program (DoD TA) has been updated to provide accurate tuition rates for the 2025-26 academic year for undergraduate, graduate, and credential programs. The DoD TA program does not cover doctoral programs.
The CMD GI Bill issues educational awards to qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, and the California Naval Militia. This State Grant can pay for up to 100% of the tuition and fees.
| TASK | LINK | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
CLICK HERE | ||
| Connect with us on social media @calpolyveterans to stay updated on important announcements and events. | CLICK HERE | ||
| Review the Applicant Fact Sheet | CLICK HERE | ||
| If you are currently a CMD GI Bill participant for the 2025-26 AY, go to For Renewal Students Tab, and complete the Renewal Application process listed there by June 1, 2026. | CLICK HERE | ||
|
Fill out the 2026-27 AY Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
CLICK HERE | ||
Visit the California Student Aid Commission website and complete the 2026-27 AY Initial Application. |
CLICK HERE | ||
|
Email the following documents to cmd.gi.bill@cmd.ca.gov. as a pdf file:
|
