Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

Veterans

If you are a veteran of the US Armed Forces, on active military duty, or a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for a variety of financial aid resources. The role of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office is to coordinate all Veteran’s benefits with federal, state and institutional aid to ensure you receive the maximum aid available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Veterans Benefits

  • Can I receive both financial aid and Veterans Benefits?
  • Yes. The place to start is with the Veteran Education Transition Services (VETS) Office. You will also want to file a FAFSA or CADAA to determine if you are eligible for federal and/or state aid in addition to the Veteran’s Benefits. 

  • How do I establish eligibility for Military Tuition Assistance (TA)? 
  • Contact your base/post education service officer (ESO) for information on how to establish eligibility for TA. Each branch of service has a specific TA process.

  • What is the timeline for applying for financial aid and receiving aid?
  • The FAFSA and CADAA for 2025-26 is expected to open in December 2024. The priority deadline to apply for state financial aid is March 3, 2025 for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. You may still submit a FAFSA after March 3 to be considered for federal financial aid if you miss the priority deadline. If additional information is needed from you after you submit your FAFSA or CADAA we will notify you via Chico State email and a To Do List item or hold will be assigned in your Student Center. The priority deadline to submit additional documentation is June 1 to receive a financial aid disbursement at the beginning of the fall term. Once all To Do List items and holds are resolved, financial aid will be applied toward any fee balance due to the school first and the remaining amount will be refunded to you at the beginning of the term.

  • Do I have to report my Veterans Education Benefits on the FAFSA or CADAA?
  • No, you are not required to report Veterans Education Benefits on the FAFSA or CADAA. However, non-education Veteran Benefits must be reported. 

  • What is the Cal Vet Tuition Waiver? 

    The Cal Vet Tuition Waiver is a benefit that waives the system-wide tuition fee for eligible Veteran dependents (it does not waive campus fees).

  • Can I receive both the Cal Vet Tuition Waiver and the Cal Grant or State University Grant at the same time? 

    No, the California Veteran Tuition Waiver and the Cal Grant or State University Grant are both considered fee-paying resources. Therefore, students are only eligible to receive one of these aid sources during their period of enrollment. The Cal Grant or State University Grant will be awarded in lieu of the Cal Vet Fee Waiver if the student is eligible.

  • What is the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Program?

    All four service branches and the US Coast Guard offer financial assistance for voluntary, off-duty education programs in support of service members’ personal and professional goals. The program is open to officers, warrant officers and enlisted active-duty service personnel. In addition, members of the National Guard and Reserve Components may be eligible for TA based on their service eligibility. For more detailed information about the Military Tuition Assistance Program, and how to apply, visit the Chico State VETS website.

  • Who should I contact when my Veterans Benefits expire?

    Contact the Chico State VETS Office.

  • What happens to my financial aid if I am called to Active Duty? 

    Please notify the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office if you are called to active duty. You will not be responsible for paying back funds disbursed to you during that term. Your loans will enter repayment within six months because you will be enrolled less than half-time. If you are unable to pay the loan at that time, you may request a Military Deferment thru your student loan servicer to postpone the repayment of your loans.

Additional Resources

CalVet Education Benefits

Financial Aid Tips (PDF)

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