Veterans Benefits

Please note:

Emerson College’s VA Certifying Official submits enrollment certifications after the add/drop period ends each fall and spring semester (approximately two weeks after classes begin). VA education benefits cannot be used for courses offered through Emerson Los Angeles or study abroad programs. Because Emerson College is not authorized by the VA to certify enrollment at these locations, benefits cannot be applied toward tuition or other affiliated expenses for those programs. For billing deadlines or other financial aid questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Former and current members of the U.S. armed services and their families may be eligible to use military education benefits. Emerson College students currently use several types of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) education benefits. Below are the four most common programs, along with information about eligibility and how to apply.

Veterans Affairs Benefits

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 the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program

The Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program, also known as VocRehab, helps veterans and current service members with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and maintain meaningful employment. In some cases, the program also supports independent living. Benefits are generally available for up to 48 months, with extensions considered on a case-by-case basis through your VA counselor.

First-Time Applicants

  • Complete the required application through the VA.
  • Ask your VA caseworker to submit your Certificate of Eligibility and VA Form 28-1905 to Emerson.
  • Once your enrollment is confirmed, Emerson’s VA Certifying Official will complete and return VA Form 28-1905 to your caseworker so you can begin using your benefits.

Returning Students

  • Have your VA caseworker submit a new VA Form 28-1905 each semester.
  • You do not need to resubmit your Certificate of Eligibility unless your benefits change.
Chapter 33: Post 9/11 GI Bill®

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides education, housing, and book benefits for eligible veterans, service members, and their families. Eligibility and benefit levels are determined by the VA based on qualifying military service. Students may receive up to 36 months of education benefits.

There are many different tiers of benefits under Chapter 33 as determined by the VA, a breakdown of which can be seen on the Veterans Affairs site.

Important: Housing payments are based on the ZIP code of the school and not on the student’s home ZIP code. While the school will receive tuition and fee payments directly from the VA, the student will receive all housing and book stipend payments. For more information on transferring benefits, please refer to this Transferability Fact Sheet.

First-Time Applicants

  1. Complete VA Form 22-1990 through the VA’s online application.
  2. After your application is approved, submit your Certificate of Eligibility to veterans@emerson.edu.
  3. Emerson’s VA Certifying Official will certify your enrollment after the semester’s add/drop period. Please review dates and deadlines for the certification timeframe.

Returning Students

  • You do not need to submit a new Certificate of Eligibility unless your benefits change.
Chapter 35: Survivors & Dependent Assistance

Chapter 35 provides education and training benefits to eligible spouses and dependents of veterans who are permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition or who died as a result of military service.

Eligible students may receive up to 45 months of benefits. Some students may qualify for additional months when combined with other VA education programs. Payments are made directly to the student, not to Emerson.

First-Time Applicants

  1. Complete VA Form 22-5490 and mail it to: VA Regional Office, PO Box 4616, Buffalo NY, 04240-4616
  2. Submit your Certificate of Eligibility to veterans@emerson.edu.
  3. Emerson’s VA Certifying Official will certify your enrollment after the add/drop period. Please review dates and deadlines for the certification timeframe.

Returning Students

  • You do not need to submit a new Certificate of Eligibility unless your benefits change.
Yellow Ribbon Program

Students who are 100% eligible for Chapter 33 Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits may also qualify for Emerson’s Yellow Ribbon Program.

Yellow Ribbon funding is applied after your annual Chapter 33 tuition benefit has been exhausted, so awards are typically received during the spring semester.

Emerson does not limit the number of students who may participate. Once Chapter 33 funding has been exhausted, the Yellow Ribbon award covers any remaining tuition and mandatory fees (excluding room and board).

We also encourage all veterans benefits recipients to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for additional federal financial aid.