Use your GI Bill® Benefits

How to apply and use VA Educational Benefits at Boise State

Your Checklist

*Complete BOLD items EVERY semester

Create a VA.gov Account
Verify GI Bill ® Eligibility (you may qualify for more than one benefit)
Use GI Bill ® Comparison Tool (better understand your benefits)
Apply to Boise State
(if desired) Transfer Previous Credits to Boise State. Transferred credits may affect your SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) status, which can impact your eligibility for federal financial aid.
Apply for GI Bill ® Benefits – Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This can take several weeks so plan accordingly.
Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA) (*Every Year)
Consider Applying for Federal Work Study
Consider Applying for VA Work Study
Update FERPA Restrictions (specify who has access to your information)
Apply for Boise State and State of Idaho Scholarships
Enroll In Classes at Boise State
Submit your Declaration to the VSC (w/ your COE)
Submit a Financial Aid Release Form
(if desired) Opt-out of the Inclusive Access (IA) Program (e-textbook)
Verify a Hold (“Veteran Hold”) has been placed on your account
Submit a Hold Lift Request if you need to change classes
Re-submit a Declaration to the VSC if your enrollment changes
Pay Your Bills (at the right time – not sure when that is, ask the VSC)
- Housing & Books are always your responsibility
- Tuition & Fees depend on your benefit chapter
Ask for Help – Contact the VSC Anytime (EARLY & OFTEN)
- Email | 208-426-3744

The advice and information provided by the Veteran Services Center (VSC) are intended to assist and guide veterans, service members, and their families in navigating available resources and educational benefit options. Please note that this information is for advisory purposes only and does not constitute a final determination of eligibility or approval of benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is the sole authority for decision-making and approval of all educational benefits.

Summary of Benefits by Chapter

Benefit Chapter	Name	Tuition & Fees	Housing Allowance	Books & Supplies
Chapter 30	Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty	Paid directly to the student monthly; not tied to specific tuition costs.	Monthly stipend based on enrollment status (full-time, half-time, etc.); varies by program and location.	No direct payment for books; students use monthly stipends to cover books and supplies
Chapter 1606	Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve	Paid directly to the student monthly; not tied to specific tuition costs.	Monthly stipend; lower than Chapter 30	No direct payment for books; students use monthly stipends to cover books and supplies.
Chapter 31	Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E)	Covers full tuition and fees – paid directly to the school.	Monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill rates and eligibility.	Covers books, supplies, and sometimes equipment, directly or through reimbursements.
Chapter 33	Post-9/11 GI Bill®	Covers full tuition and fees at the in-state tuition rate – paid directly to the school.	Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) based on E-5 with dependents rate, calculated by the school’s ZIP code	Provides up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies, prorated based on enrollment.
Chapter 35	Dependents’ Education Assistance (DEA)	Paid directly to the student monthly for education costs; not tied to specific tuition amounts.	Monthly stipend provided to the student for general education-related expenses	No direct payment for books; students use stipends to cover books and supplies.

GI Bill®

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 Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill