Office of Military and Veterans Affairs
Vin Thomas, Director
Powell Student Center 137
Phone: (859) 622-2345
Fax: (859) 622-5076
www.eku.edu/omva
The Office of Military and Veterans Affairs serves veterans, service members, and military-connected students by assisting with admissions, obtaining VA benefits and credit for military training, and serving as an advocate for veteran and military-related issues throughout the campus community.
VA Certification Process and Details
To utilize VA education benefits and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, eligible veterans and military students must apply directly to the Veterans Administration online at www.va.gov. Upon receipt of the certificate, please upload a copy to the student document upload portal. Additionally, a Course Enrollment Form must be submitted online each semester for each VA benefit you wish to use. Submit a Course Enrollment Form here.
Covered individuals (defined by the VA as any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits) may attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (A “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs VA) website – eBenefits, or a VA Form 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes can substitute for a COE) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
- The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
- 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the COE.
The University will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds because of the inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33. If any late fees do appear, they will not be charged to the covered individual until after the 90 days referenced above.
The Monthly Housing Allowance is calculated based on the location of the campus where a student attends most of their classes, based upon Section 107 (FGIB). A “campus” may include internships, externships, training, practicums, etc. Students enrolled in 100% online programs will receive a reduced MHA amount based on their enrollment status. Hybrid courses must be certified at the on-campus rate, per VA regulations. All veterans and dependents eligible for benefits under the federal Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (38 U.S.C. Section 3301 et seq.) or any other federal law authorizing educational benefits for veterans or dependents will receive in-state tuition and fees.
Veterans needing assistance obtaining a copy of their Joint Service Transcript or CCAF transcript should email EKUVets@eku.edu or call 859-622-2345.
Rate of Pursuit for Federal GI Bill Entitlement
Students must meet full-time requirements to receive 100% of VA benefits. If a student falls below full-time requirements, the VA will prorate and adjust benefit entitlements accordingly. Please refer to the table below for graduate-level requirements.
Chapters 31 / 33
Length of Term Full Time Credit Requirement
15/16 Weeks 9 Hours
12 Weeks 6 Hours
7/8 Weeks 4 Hours
6 Weeks 3 Hours
Chapters 30 / 35 / 1606
Length of Term Credit Hours Reported Status
15/16 Weeks 9 or More Hours Full time
15/16 Weeks 6-8 Hours 3/4 time
15/16 Weeks 5 Hours 1/2 time
15/16 Weeks 3-4 Hours 1/4 time
12 Weeks 6 Hours Full time
12 Weeks 4-5 Hours 3/4 time
12 Weeks 3 Hours 1/2 time
7/8 Weeks 4 Hours Full time
7/8 Weeks 3 Hours 3/4 time
7/8 Weeks 2 Hours 1/2 time
6 Weeks 3 Hours Full time
Kentucky National Guard Tuition Award Program
Active members of the Kentucky National Guard can utilize the Kentucky National Guard Tuition Award Program if they meet all eligibility criteria with the National Guard. Members must maintain all minimum standards, be eligible for all positive personnel actions, and have completed basic training or its equivalent. Eligible members will be awarded up to in-state tuition for full or part-time study at any Kentucky public college while funds are available. Members must apply to utilize the Kentucky National Guard Tuition Award Program each semester. The deadline to apply for the Fall semester is April 1, and the deadline to apply for the Spring semester is October 1. The application is available online at https://ky.ngb.army.mil/tuitionstudent. Members can contact the Boone National Guard at (502) 607-1039 for additional information.
Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance
DEA (Chapter 35) provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents and survivors of certain veterans. For more information on DEA eligibility, visit www.va.gov.
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Tuition Waiver
If you are the child or spouse of a veteran who died while serving on active duty or is entitled to 100% VA disability, you may also be entitled to a tuition waiver in addition to your DEA benefits. Under the provisions of KRS 164.505, 164.507, and 164.515, children and spouses of Kentuckians who were killed in military action or who were permanently and totally disabled during military service are eligible for this waiver. For more information, contact the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs Tuition Waiver Coordinator at (502) 503-7911. More information and the application form can be found at Kentucky Tuition Waiver - Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs.