About the CMCS

Student Information

Benefits

Cal Vet College Fee Waiver

Opportunities

Student Veterans and Dependents Club

Local Area Events & Resources

VA

 

Our Crowdfunding Campaign is LIVE - Donate Now! 

 

Every student who is newly activating any type of military educational benefit at Cal Poly must schedule a date to join us for our NEW Military Mustang Workshops held virtually. RSVP required. If the student is a dependent, parents are invited to join in the Zoom conference with their student. The student must be in attendance. 

Upcoming Workshop Dates:

Thursday 3/28/2024 6-7pm
Friday 4/5/2024 12-1pm
Monday 4/8/2024 6-7pm
Thursday 4/18/2024 6-7pm
Friday 4/26/2024 12-1pm
Monday 4/29/2024 6-7pm
Thursday 5/9/2024 6-7pm
Friday 5/17/2024 12-1pm
Monday 5/20/2024 6-7pm
Thursday 5/30/2024 6-7pm
Friday 6/7/2024 12-1pm
Monday 6/10/2024 6-7pm
     

  

It is our goal to support our veterans and their families by answering their questions, addressing their concerns, advocating, and providing resources. 

VA Programs include:

  • any GI Bill
  • CH 35 - Dependents Educational Assistance
  • VR&E
  • Edith Nourse Rogers Scholarship
  • Fry Scholarship

NOT VA - Cal Vet College Fee Waiver & Tuition Assistance

What documents and information do I need to apply?

  • Social Security number
  • Bank account direct deposit information
  • Education and military history
  • Basic information about the school or training facility you want to attend or are attending now

VA has updated the application process, allowing eligible applicants to apply for and receive their benefits decision within minutes. 

You can apply online right now. Just answer a few questions to get started with the education benefits form that's right for you at va.gov.

Once approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) in the mail in 4-6 weeks. 

The VA requires that all Chapter 33 certifications be submitted in a two-step process. Approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the start of each term, our team begins submitting the first step of this certification process. We are only able to submit certification for those students who have requested certification of their classes in the Veterans Benefit Module of their student portal - this is the same process for all VA benefits (any type of GI Bill, Ch 35 DEA, VR&E). After the add/drop period has ended, the team will complete the second step of the certification process and report the tuition and fees owed for the term for programs that pay tuition and fees to the university. 

The first step of this process allows any housing, living, or book stipends you may be eligible for to begin to be issued by the VA no earlier than 10 days prior to the start of each term. We also work with Student Accounts to place a deferral credit on your account for the amount we expect the VA to pay. The second step will prompt the VA to issue the payment for tuition and fees to Cal Poly on your behalf.

You can expect to receive automatic notifications when we submit enrollment certifications to the VA. If a notification states that a certification was submitted without tuition and fees included, please note that this is part of that two-step process and it will be modified as soon as we are able to do so.

All students using the Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® who receive a Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) and/or kicker payments are now required to verify their enrollment via text each month in order to continue receiving their payments from the VA. See the information on monthly verifications below. 

 
  • About GI Bill benefits 

    Learn how the GI Bill works and explore your options to pay for school or training.

  • Eligibility 

    Find out if you’re eligible for GI Bill or other VA education benefits.

  • How to apply 

    Learn how to prepare and apply for the GI Bill or other VA education and training benefits.

  • After you apply 

    Find out when to expect a decision from us on your application and what to do next.

  • Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) 

    Check if you qualify for help exploring employment options, any training you may need, and other vocational rehabilitation services.

  • Educational and career counseling (Chapter 36) 

    Find out how to get free educational and career counseling if you are leaving active service soon, have been discharged within the past year, or are a Veteran or dependent who is eligible for VA education benefits.

  • VA education benefits for dependents and survivors 

    Find out if you’re eligible for Veteran dependent or survivor education benefits through a GI Bill program.

  • Other educational assistance programs 

    Find out if you’re eligible for programs that provide added GI Bill benefits. If you’re not eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, learn about other VA education benefit programs for Veterans and National Guard or Reserve members.

 

The Veterans Benefit module is available in your CP Portal Student Center. Use it every quarter, as soon as you register for classes, to let us know that you want to use your VA benefits. Only VA benefits are requested through this module. Cal Vet College Fee Waivers are uploaded elsewhere on this website using a secure form each academic year, click on the tab above for more information. 

A VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) made out to the student - not the veteran transferring benefits -  is the only document that needs to be uploaded to the Veterans Benefit Module. It must be submitted before or during your first request for certification. 

 

We are committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all military-connected students. We understand the unique needs and challenges that you may face, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.

 

**Connect with the staff of the CMCS. This connection is crucial to ensure that you receive the guidance and support you need throughout your academic journey. 

**Join our Newly Admitted Military Mustang Google Classroom. We'll use this tool to keep you up-to-date throughout the time leading up to school starting. 

**Apply for your VA military education benefits (VA Certificate of Eligibility) once you accept your offer of admission. Cal Vet College Fee Waivers for the children and spouses of disabled veterans can apply after the 2023 tax season ends in April. 

**Veterans and service members turn in your DD214 or CAC to the CMCS  for Priority Registration. Remember to request a copy of your official military transcripts be sent to the Office of the Registrar at Cal Poly.  

**Submit your military education benefits documents to the CMCS before August 15th to have them in place for Fall. VA benefits documents are submitted through your Cal Poly Student Portal in the Veterans Benefit Module after July 1st. Cal Vet College Fee Waiver approval codes are submitted here.  

**Out-of-state students who are eligible for VA educational benefits are eligible for an out-of-state fees waiver once they have been assigned their new CA address (often a dorm address). Students - change one of the addresses in your Cal Poly Student Portal to reflect your CA address. Then email a copy of your VA Certificate of Eligibility to the CMCS requesting a VACA Waiver. The CMCS will apply for you and notify you via your Cal Poly email when it is approved. 

**VA Students only: Request certification of your classes each quarter as soon as you are registered through your Cal Poly Student Portal in the Veterans Benefit Module. Cal Vet College Fee Waiver (CVCFW) students who are only using this state benefit and not a VA benefit will never use the Veterans Benefit Module in their student portal - class certification is not required for the CVCFW. 

**In addition to connecting with the Center for Military-Connected Students, service members are required to obtain approval from their respective Education Services Officer (ESO), military counselor, or Service before enrollment. This step is vital to ensure that your educational pursuits align with your military service commitments and responsibilities. Your ESO or military counselor will provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your education and will provide you with the necessary documentation required to use any military education benefits that are available to you. 

NOTE: Cal Poly email accounts and the Veterans Benefit Module are not accessible to new students until July. 

 

 

Students using Post 9/11 GI Bill™ benefits must also verify their enrollment directly to the VA after each month of attendance. This requirement is fulfilled directly through the VA. 

This requirement can be fulfilled monthly by calling the VA at 888-442-4551 and choosing option "1" . Sign up for text message verification by speaking to a representative at the same number during the VA's regular business hours. To reach a representative, do not choose an option. 

  • If you fail to submit enrollment verification for two months, your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) payments will be held by the VA. 
  • If you sign up for text message verifications, you will receive a text message reminder monthly that says, "Did you remain enrolled in your courses in (MONTH/YEAR) as certified? Please reply yes or no. If you have dropped all your courses, reply no". You must respond to this text within 6 days.
  • International students can call the VA at 001-918-781-5678

More information can be found here: Enrollment Verification FAQs.pdf

 

Students using Ch 35 DEA will be asked for VA FILE NUMBER in the module. This is the VA File number of the veteran and is most often the veteran's Social Security Number. 

Survivors' and Dependent's - (DEA/Chapter35) Increased Educational Benefit

Training Time Monthly rate
Full time $1,488
¾ time $1,176
½ time $862
¼ time or less $372

When requesting your veteran benefits, please keep in mind we can now certify repeat courses only if: 

  • You received a grade with zero grade points on the first attempt, i.e., a grade of F, W, WU, or NC OR 
  • A higher grade is required for degree completion.

After consideration of those discussions and deliberations with OGC, VA determined that eligible GI Bill students can continue to round out in their last term. To ensure that you understand the rules governing this policy, before registering for your final quarter, check in with our VA School Certifying Officials. 

 

 

State Tuition

 

Cal Poly Campus-Based Fees

 – only fees that are charged to ALL students

Books & Supplies Stipend

($42 per unit up to $1000 per academic year

Monthly Housing Allowance Stipend

(~$2859 for a full-time, in-person. Prorated for short months)

Parking

Tutoring

Books from the bookstore

Monthly Stipend ($1401 for full time)

How is it paid? 

Sent directly to Cal Poly or waived

Sent directly to Cal Poly

Sent to the student

Sent to the student

Sent to Cal Poly

Reimbursement to the student

Sent directly to Cal Poly

Sent to the student

VR&E

x

x

 

x

x

 

x

 

Post 9/11 GI Bill

x

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

Fry Scholarship

x

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

Edith Nourse Rogers STEM

x

x

x

x

 

x

 

 

CH 35 DEA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Cal Vet Fee Waiver

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cal Vet Fee Waivers and VA benefit certifications must be submitted in advance of due dates to allow processing time. Waivers and VA Certifications that are submitted late will often require students to pay their student debts and request a refund. 

 

ALLOWANCE  HOW IS IT PAID?  WHEN IS IT PAID? 
                            POST 9/11 GI BILL:
Military Housing Allowance (MHA) Direct Deposit from the VA to the student's bank account Monthly, after the student completes the prior month of attendance. (Ex: October attendance is paid on November 1st)
Books & Supplies Direct Deposit from the VA to the student's bank account At the beginning of the quarter or within a month of certification
Tuition & Registration Directly to Cal Poly Mid-quarter. The VA is billed after the drop date and after an audit of classes is done to ensure that all certified classes are degree applicable. 
                            VR&E:
Military Housing Allowance (MHA) Direct Deposit from the VA to the student's bank account Monthly, after the student completes the prior month of attendance. (Ex: October attendance is paid on November 1st)
Bookstore - Books Directly to Cal Poly Pre-authorization is submitted into the Tungsten system by the VR&E counselor. Once that is complete, the student can go to the bookstore and pick up their books. 
Tuition & Registration Directly to Cal Poly Mid-quarter. The VA is billed after the drop date and after an audit of classes is done to ensure that all certified classes are degree applicable. 
Parking Directly to Cal Poly Pre-authorization is submitted into the Tungsten system by the VR&E counselor. Once that is complete, we notify Parking at Cal Poly. The student must follow the steps to obtain a parking pass but payment is waived. 
                            CH 35 DEA:
Stipend Direct Deposit from the VA to the student's bank account

Monthly, after the student completes the prior month of attendance. (Ex: October attendance is paid on November 1st)

Financial Aid:  

  • Federal Financial Aid Programs (Title IV Financial Aid), such as Pell Grants, do not impact what your school can certify for your reimbursable Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fees.
  • Eligibility for VA Education benefits does not affect your eligibility to receive Federal Financial aid.

Scholarships:  

  • Scholarships can impact what your school can certify for your reimbursable Post-9/11 GI Bill tuition and fees. This is regardless if your school or a third party agency is providing the scholarship.
    • If the scholarship is tuition and fees specific – it must be deducted from what is certified to VA.
    • If the scholarship is not tuition and fees specific (i.e. it can be used for housing or non-mandatory fees) – it does not need to be deducted from what is certified to VA.

 

Beginning in 2022/23 the college-based fee (CBF) will increase yearly. These increased fees will only be assessed on newly enrolled students who begin Fall 2022 or after. Subsequent fee increases would be made on a cohort basis. All currently matriculated students would continue to pay current college-based fee rates. Click below to see more information on the cost of attendance. 

You may be eligible for a monthly housing rate. The Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is generally the same as the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents. This rate is variable and dependent on factors such as the location of your school, your rate of pursuit, and whether you enrolled in the program prior to 1/8/18.

To calculate your housing rate:
     1. Visit the GI Bill Comparison Tool,
     2. Search for California Polytechnic State University 
     3. Refine your search based on attendance, i.e., online classes only, and your benefit, and
     4. “View details”. You are able to adjust the refinements to see how changes can impact your MHA rate.

 

If you receive disability compensation, pension, or education benefits from VA, you can update your direct deposit information in your VA.gov profile. You’ll need your bank’s routing number and account number to make the updates. You must use the same bank account for all VA payments. 

Note: You’ll need to sign in to VA.gov to update your direct deposit information. Once signed in, you’ll have to verify your identity and set up 2-factor authentication only if you haven’t done this already.

Please sign in to change your direct deposit information online

Try signing in with your DS Logon, My HealtheVet, or ID.me account. HERE

If you have questions, please call us at 800-827-1000. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET. Or go to your nearest VA regional office.

How else can I update my VA payment information?

To update your direct deposit information or the address on your paper checks, you can:

Note: If you don’t have access to the internet or a phone, you can update your direct deposit information with Standard Form 1199a (PDF).

Rate of Pursuit:

Post 9/11 GI Bill, Fry Scholarship, and STEM Scholarship: VA calculates rate of pursuit. Rate of pursuit is enrolled units divided by 12, rounded to the nearest tenth. Example: 9 units / 12 = .75, then rounded to the nearest tenth, for an 80% rate of pursuit. To receive MHA payments, students must have a rate of pursuit greater than 50%. Please contact Center for Military-Connected Students regarding summer terms.

Training Time:

Chapters 30, 31, 35, and 1606

 

Term

 Full-Time 3/4 Time 1/2 Time Less than 1/2 time
10-13 Weeks 12+ units 9-11 units 6-8 units 4-5 units
8-Weeks 8+ units 6-7 units 4-5 units 3
5-Weeks 5+ units 4 units 3 units 2

 

 

Related Content