Veterans Financial Aid
Policy Statement
The Post-9/11 GI Bill®, also known as Chapter 33, is the most commonly used VA education benefit program at Stanford. This program provides funding for tuition, required fees, books and housing. The level of an individual student’s Chapter 33 benefits is determined by the qualifying veteran’s length of military service since 9/11/2001. Eligible students may also receive funds through the Yellow Ribbon Provision.
Most of the VA education benefit programs pay benefits directly to students on a monthly basis. However, under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33), the VA sends tuition and fees benefits to Stanford, where the Financial Aid Office is responsible for applying the funds to the student account (university bill). Chapter 33 books and housing benefits are sent directly to students monthly. Students may need to apply the housing benefits to the university bill to pay for on-campus room and board.
Yellow Ribbon Provision
Stanford elects on a yearly basis to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Under this provision Stanford provides an annual contribution to supplement the Chapter 33 base tuition benefit. The VA matches Stanford's Yellow Ribbon contribution. For graduate and professional students, the amount of Stanford's Yellow Ribbon contribution varies by school and program; see the Yellow Ribbon information on Stanford's website. Also, see the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs Yellow Ribbon web site for additional information.
Undergraduates
Undergraduates may apply for need-based financial aid from Stanford to supplement VA education benefits. If the financial aid application demonstrates financial need beyond the amount of expected VA education benefits, the student may be awarded institutional aid to meet the additional need.
If the student will be receiving VA education benefits transferred from a parent, the student will be treated as a dependent student for financial aid purposes. The student’s parents’ income and asset information will be considered in determining eligibility for need-based aid from Stanford. If the student is a Veteran, the student will most likely be treated as an independent student and will not need to provide parent information. Receipt of VA education benefits does not impact your eligibility for federal student loan programs.
VA education benefits are treated like other outside awards in that they can reduce or replace the Student Responsibility portion of the aid package. VA education benefits do not reduce or replace the Parent Contribution in the determination of eligibility for need-based Stanford aid.
Graduate Students
Schools and departments are responsible for providing the Yellow Ribbon contribution for eligible graduate students. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate receipt of funds with responsible individuals in each school. Receipt of VA education benefits does not impact your eligibility for federal student loan programs.
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 https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.